Sources and fates of aromatic compounds in urban storm-water runoff

Journal Article · Thu Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1979 · Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/es60150a011· OSTI ID:6730181

Mackenzie, M J ^[1]; Hunter, J V

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1. EPA

Petroleum-derived aromatic hydrocarbons and associated sulfur compounds in urban storm-water runoff and Delaware River sediment samples were characterized with a gas chromatograph equipped with a flame ionization/sulfur specific flame photometric detection system. Total petroleum hydrocarbon concentrations were determined gravimetrically in storm water emanating from a northern Philadelphian storm sewer. Comparison of hydrocarbon and sulfur fingerprints of the aromatic fractions of environmental samples with reference oils indicated that crankcase oil was the most likely source of aromatics in storm-water runoff. A weathering study on used crankcase oils showed a loss of diaromatics which accounted for their absence in the environmental samples. Since aromatic sulfur compounds were preferentially associated with particulate matter in urban runoff, a mechanism was proposed in which fuel oils and lubricating oils released to the environment are adsorbed onto particulate matter. The lower boiling diaromatics are lost through natural weathering, and during a storm, the particulates are washed into sewers and then into receiving waters.

• Research Organization: EPA; Rutgers Univ.
• OSTI ID: 6730181
• Journal Information: Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States), Journal Name: Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States) Vol. 13:2; ISSN ESTHA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020900 -- Petroleum-- Environmental Aspects
520200* -- Environment
Aquatic-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
AROMATICS
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
CHROMATOGRAPHY
DELAWARE RIVER
ENERGY SOURCES
ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSPORT
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
FUNCTIONAL MODELS
GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY
HYDROCARBONS
MASS TRANSFER
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PETROLEUM
RIVERS
RUNOFF
SEDIMENTS
SEPARATION PROCESSES
STREAMS
SULFUR COMPOUNDS
SURFACE WATERS
URBAN AREAS
WEATHERING