Detecting Fugitive Emissions of 1,3-Butadiene and Styrene from a Petrochemical Facility: An Application of a Mobile Laboratory and a Modified Proton Transfer Reaction Mass Spectrometer

Development and validation of an analytical pyrolysis method for detection of airborne polystyrene nanoparticles

Microplastic is ubiquitous in the environment. Recently it was discovered that microplastic (MP, 1 μm-5 mm) contamination is present in the atmosphere where it can be transported over long distances and introduced to remote pristine environments. Sources, concentration levels, and transportation pathways of MP are still associated with large uncertainties. The abundance of atmospheric MP increases with decreasing particle size, suggesting that nanoplastics (NP, <1μm) could be of considerable atmospheric relevance. Only few analytical methods are available for detection of nanosized plastic particles. Thermoanalytical techniques are independent of particle size and are thus a powerful tool for MP and NP analysis. Here we develop a method for analysis of polystyrene on the nanogram scale using pyrolysis gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Pyrolysis was performed using a slow temperature ramp, and analytes were cryofocused prior to injection. The mass spectrometer was operated in selected ion monitoring (SIM) mode. A lower limit of detection of 1±1 ng and a lower limit of quantification of 2±2 ng were obtained (for the trimer peak). The method was validated with urban matrices of low (7 μg per sample) and high (53 μg per sample) aerosol mass loadings. The method performs well for low loadings, whereas high loadings seem to cause a matrix effect reducing the signal of polystyrene. This effect can be minimized by introducing a thermal desorption step prior to pyrolysis. The study provides a novel analysis method for qualitative and semi-quantitative analysis of PS on the nanogram scale in an aerosol matrix. Application of the method can be used to obtain concentration levels of polystyrene in atmospheric MP and NP. This is important in order to improve the understanding of the sources and sinks of MP and NP in the environment and thereby identify routes of exposure and uptake of this emerging contaminant.

Experimental and theoretical study on the photoionization of styrene

This study employed a vacuum ultraviolet synchrotron radiation source and reflectron time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOF-MS) to investigate the photoionization and dissociation of styrene. By analyzing the photoionization mass spectrum and efficiency curve alongside G3B3 theoretical calculations, we determined the ionization energy of the molecular ion, appearance energy of fragment ions, and relevant dissociation pathways. The major ion peaks observed in the photoionization mass spectra of styrene correspond to C₈ H₈ ⁺ , C₈ H₇ ⁺ and C₆ H₆ ⁺ . The ionization energy of styrene is measured as 8.46 ± 0.03 eV, whereas the appearance energies of C₈ H₇ ⁺ and C₆ H₆ ⁺ are found to be 12.42 ± 0.03 and 12.22 ± 0.03 eV, respectively, in agreement with theoretical values. The main channel for the photodissociation of styrene molecular ions is the formation of benzene ions, whereas the dissociation channel that loses hydrogen atoms is the secondary channel. Based on the experimental results and empirical formulas, the required dissociation energies (E_d ) of C₈ H₇ ⁺ , C₈ H₆ ⁺ and C₆ H₆ ⁺ are calculated to be (3.96 ± 0.06), (4.00 ± 0.06) and (3.76 ± 0.06) eV, respectively. Combined with related thermochemical parameters, the standard enthalpies of formations of C₈ H₈ ⁺ , C₈ H₇ ⁺ , C₈ H₆ ⁺ and C₆ H₆ ⁺ are determined to be 964.2, 1346.3, 1350.2 and 1327.0 kJ/mol, respectively. Based on the theoretical study, the kinetic factors controlling the styrene dissociation reaction process are determined by using the Rice-Ramsperger-Kassel-Marcus (RRKM) theory. This provides a reference for further research on the atmospheric photooxidation reaction mechanism of styrene in atmospheric and interstellar environments.

Characteristics and Sources of Volatile Organic Compounds in the Nanjing Industrial Area

In this study, 56 volatile organic compounds species (VOCs) and other pollutants (NO, NO2, SO2, O3, CO and PM2.5) were measured in the northern suburbs of Nanjing from September 2014 to August 2015. The total volatile organic compound (TVOC) concentrations were higher in the autumn (40.6 ± 23.8 ppbv) and winter (41.1 ± 21.7 ppbv) and alkanes were the most abundant species among the VOCs (18.4 ± 10.0 ppbv). According to the positive matrix factorization (PMF) model, the VOCs were found to be from seven sources in the northern suburbs of Nanjing, including liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) sources, gasoline vehicle emissions, iron and steel industry sources, industrial refining coke sources, solvent sources and petrochemical industry sources. One of the sources was influenced by seasonal variations: it was a diesel vehicle emission source in the spring, while it was a coal combustion source in the winter. According to the conditional probability function (CPF) method, it was found that the main contribution areas of each source were located in the easterly direction (mainly residential areas, industrial areas, major traffic routes, etc.). There were also seasonal differences in concentration, ozone formation potential (OFP), OH radical loss rate (LOH) and secondary organic aerosols potential (SOAP) for each source due to the high volatility of the summer and autumn temperatures, while combustion increases in the winter. Finally, the time series of O3 and OFP was compared to that PM2.5 and SOAP and then they were combined with the wind rose figure. It was found that O3 corresponded poorly to the OFP, while PM2.5 corresponded well to the SOAP. The reason for this was that the O3 generation was influenced by several factors (NOx concentration, solar radiation and non-local transport), among which the influence of non-local transport could not be ignored.

Photochemical ozone pollution in five Chinese megacities in summer 2018

To investigate photochemical ozone (O₃) pollution in urban areas in China, O₃ and its precursors and meteorological parameters were simultaneously measured in five megacities in China in summer 2018. Moderate wind speeds, strong solar radiation and high temperature were observed in all cities, indicating favorable meteorological conditions for local O₃ formation. However, the unusually frequent precipitation caused by typhoons reaching the eastern coastline resulted in the least severe air pollution in Shanghai. The highest O₃ level was found in Beijing, followed by Lanzhou and Wuhan, while relatively lower O₃ value was recorded in Chengdu and Shanghai. Photochemical box model simulations revealed that net O₃ production rate in Lanzhou was the largest, followed by Beijing, Wuhan and Chengdu, while it was the lowest in Shanghai. Besides, the O₃ formation was mainly controlled by volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in most cities, but co-limited by VOCs and nitrogen oxides in Lanzhou. Moreover, the dominant VOC groups contributing to O₃ formation were oxygenated VOCs (OVOCs) in Beijing and Wuhan, alkenes in Lanzhou, and aromatics and OVOCs in Shanghai and Chengdu. Source apportionment analysis identified six sources of O₃ precursors in these cities, including liquefied petroleum gas usage, diesel exhaust, gasoline exhaust, industrial emissions, solvent usage, and biogenic emissions. Gasoline exhaust dominated the O₃ formation in Beijing, and LPG usage and industrial emissions made comparable contributions in Lanzhou, while LPG usage and solvent usage played a leading role in Wuhan and Chengdu, respectively. The findings are helpful to mitigate O₃ pollution in China.

Atmospheric oxidation of indene initiated by OH radical in the presence of O2 and NO: A mechanistic and kinetic study

The atmospheric degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) can generate organic pollutants that contribute to the formation of secondary organic aerosols (SOAs) and exacerbate their carcinogenicity. Indene is an example of styrene-like bicyclic hydrocarbons that are not fully aromatic. The OH-initiated atmospheric oxidation of indene in the presence of O₂ and NO was investigated using quantum chemical methods at M06-2X/6-311++G(3df,2p)//M06-2X/6-311+G(d,p) level. The oxidation products are oxygenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (OPAHs) containing hydroxyindene, indenone, dialdehydes and 2-(formylmethyl)benzaldehyde. Calculation results showed that 7-indene radical, which is the precursor of various PAHs, has a high production ratio that is 35.29% in the initial reaction, indicating that the OH-initiated oxidation increase the environmental risks of indene in the atmosphere. The rate constants for the crucial elementary reactions were calculated based on Rice-Ramsperger-Kassel-Marcus (RRKM) theory. The overall rate constant of the initial reaction is calculated to be 1.04 × 10^-10 cm³ molecule^-1 s^-1 and the atmospheric lifetime of indene is determined as 2.74 h. This work provides a comprehensive understanding on the oxidation mechanisms of indene and the findings could help to clarify the fate of indene in the atmosphere.

Multi-scale volatile organic compound (VOC) source apportionment in Tianjin, China, using a receptor model coupled with 1-hr resolution data

The multi-scale chemical characteristics and source apportionment of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were analysed in Tianjin, China, using 1-hr resolution VOC-species data between November 1, 2018 and March 15, 2019. The average total VOC (TVOC) concentration was 30.6 ppbv during the heating season. The alkanes accounted for highest proportion of the TVOC, while the alkenes were the predominant species forming ozone, especially ethylene. Compared to the clean period, the concentration of acetylene during the haze events showed highest increase rate, followed by the ethane; and the concentrations and proportions of alkanes and alkenes were highest during the growth stage (GS) of haze events. The multi-scale apportionment results suggested petrochemical industry and solvent usage (PI/SU, 31.2%), vehicle emissions and liquefied petroleum gas (VE/LPG, 20.5%), and combustion emissions (CE, 19.1%) were the main VOC sources during the heating season. Compared to the clean period, the contributions of PI/SU, VE/LPG, CE, and refinery emissions notably increased during the haze events, while that of gasoline evaporation decreased. The contributions of PI/SU and RPI showed significantly increase during the GS of haze events, whereas most sources decreased during the dissipation stage of haze events. Diurnal-variations in source contributions during the haze events were clearer than the clean period, and the contributions of PI/SU, VE/LPG, and CE during the haze events were markedly higher at night. These findings provide valuable information to inform effective VOC control and prevention measures with specific relevance for the control of ozone pollution in Tianjin.

Rubbertown Next Generation Emissions Measurement Demonstration Project

Industrial facilities and other sources can emit air pollutants from fugitive leaks, process malfunctions and area sources that can be difficult to understand and to manage. Next generation emissions measurement (NGEM) approaches executed near facilities are enabling new ways to assess these sources and their impacts to nearby populations. This paper describes complementary uses of emerging NGEM systems in a Louisville, KY industrial district (Rubbertown), focusing on an important area air toxic, 1,3-butadiene. Over a one-year deployment starting in September 2017, two-week average passive samplers (PSs) at 11 sites showed both geospatial and temporal trends. At 0.24 ppbv annual average 1,3-butadiene concentration, a group of PSs located near facility fence lines was elevated compared to a PS group located in the community and upwind from facilities (0.07 ppbv average). Two elevated PS periods capturing emission events were examined using time-resolved NGEM approaches as case studies. In one event a 1.18 ppbv PS reading was found to be relatively localized and was caused by a multiday emission from a yet to be identified, non-facility source. In the other event, the airshed was more broadly impacted with PS concentrations ranging from 0.71 ppbv for the near-facility group to 0.46 ppbv for the community group. This case was likely influenced by a known emission event at an industrial facility. For both case studies, air pollutant and wind data from prototype NGEM systems were combined with source location models to inform the emission events. This research illustrates the power of applying NGEM approaches to improve both the understanding of emissions near sources and knowledge of impacts to near-source communities.

Outdoor air 1,3-butadiene monitoring near a petrochemical industry (Tarragona region) and in several Catalan urban areas using active multi-sorbent bed tubes and analysis through TD-GC/MS

1,3-Butadiene is a carcinogenic compound that can be emitted to the atmosphere from several sources, such as the combustion of organic matter or traffic. However, petrochemical industry is one of the main origins of this compound. Several campaigns (2013-2017) were conducted in twelve Catalan urban areas to determine 1,3-butadiene concentrations in outdoor air, five of which were close to Tarragona petrochemical region. 1,3-Butadiene was dynamically sampled in multi-sorbent bed tubes (Carbotrap, Carbopack X and Carboxen 569) using portable pump equipment. The analysis was performed by automatic thermal desorption coupled with capillary gas chromatography/mass spectrometry detector. El Morell, Perafort and Puigdelfí, located near petrochemical facilities, were the most impacted locations, with average concentrations up to 15±33, 33±41 and 27±39μgm^-3, respectively. Maximum 24h concentrations of 125μgm^-3 were observed in Puigdelfí. However, 1,3-butadiene average and maximum concentrations in the Tarragona petrochemical region diminished significantly (p≤0.05) in a drastic way (40-80%) since the first monitoring program in 2013. On the other hand, average concentrations in the rest of studied Catalan urban areas generally presented average values below 1μgm^-3, ranging from 0.07-1.1μgm^-3. Spain does have neither a monitoring strategy nor standard regulations related to 1,3-butadiene. Taking into account that relevant values can be found in locations near petrochemical facilities, a regulation should be implemented as soon as possible, at least in this specific areas.

Vehicle emissions of radical precursors and related species observed in the 2009 SHARP campaign

The 2009 Study of Houston Atmospheric Radical Precursors (SHARP) field campaign had several components that yielded information on the primary vehicular emissions of formaldehyde (HCHO) and nitrous acid (HONO), in addition to many other species. Analysis of HONO measurements at the Moody Tower site in Houston, TX, yielded emission ratios of HONO to the vehicle exhaust tracer species NOx and CO of 14 pptv/ppbv and 2.3 pptv/ppbv, somewhat smaller than recently published results from the Galleria site, although evidence is presented that the Moody Tower values should be upper limits to the true ratios of directly emitted HONO, and are consistent with ratios used in current standard emissions models. Several other Moody Tower emission ratios are presented, in particular a value for HCHO/CO of 2.4 pptv/ppbv. Considering only estimates of random errors, this would be significantly lower than a previous value, though the small sample size and possible systematic differences should be taken into account. Emission factors for CO, NOx, and HCHO, as well as various volatile organic compounds (VOCs), were derived from mobile laboratory measurements both in the Washburn Tunnel and in on-road exhaust plume observations. These two sets of results and others reported in the literature all agree well, and are substantially larger than the CO, NOx, and HCHO emission factors derived from the emission ratios reported from the Galleria site.

IMPLICATIONS

Emission factors for the species measured in the various components of the 2009 SHARP campaign in Houston, TX, including HCHO, HONO, CO, CO2, nitrogen oxides, and VOCs, are needed to support regional air quality monitoring. Components of the SHARP campaign measured these species in several different ways, each with their own potential for systematic errors and differences in vehicle fleets sampled. Comparisons between data sets suggest that differences in sampling place and time may result in quite different emission factors, while also showing that different vehicle mixes can yield surprisingly similar emission factors.

Air Pollutant Mapping with a Mobile Laboratory During the BEE-TEX Field Study

The Aerodyne Mobile Laboratory was deployed to the Houston Ship Channel and surrounding areas during the Benzene and Other Toxics Exposure field study in February 2015. We evaluated atmospheric concentrations of volatile organic hydrocarbons and other hazardous air pollutants of importance to human health, including benzene, 1,3-butadiene, toluene, xylenes, ethylbenzenes, styrene, and NO2. Ambient concentration measurements were focused on the neighborhoods of Manchester, Harrisburg, and Galena Park. The most likely measured concentration of 1,3-butadiene in the Manchester neighborhood (0.17 ppb) exceeds the Environmental Protection Agency's E-5 lifetime cancer risk level of 0.14 ppb. In all the three neighborhoods, the measured benzene concentration falls below or within the E-5 lifetime cancer risk levels of 0.4-1.4 ppb for benzene. Pollution maps as a function of wind direction show the impact of nearby sources.

Case study of municipal air pollution policies: Houston's Air Toxic Control Strategy under the White Administration, 2004-2009

Local government has traditionally played only a minor role in regulating airborne toxic pollutants. However, from 2004 to 2009, the City of Houston implemented a novel, municipality-based air toxics reduction strategy to address what it considered unacceptable health risks and an insufficient regulatory response from state and federal agencies. The city's effort to exert local control over stationary sources of air toxics represents a unique opportunity to study the selection and performance of policy tools and to consider their ramifications for the design of future air pollution control strategies. The results of this case study demonstrate the potential for municipal government to use a combination of cooperative and confrontational policies to stimulate responses from private industry and state and federal regulators as part of a strategy to address local air quality problems.