Ambient levels of volatile organic compounds in the vicinity of petrochemical industrial area of Yokohama, Japan

Urban ambient air concentrations of 39 aromatic (including benzene, toluene, and xylenes) and aliphatic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were measured in Yokohama city, Japan. Yokohama city was selected as a case study to assess the amount of VOC released from Industrial area to characterize the ambient air quality with respect to VOC as well as to know the impact of petrochemical storage facilities on local air quality. For this purpose, ambient air samples were collected (from June 2007 to November 2008) at six selected locations which are designated as industrial, residential, or commercial areas. To find out the diurnal variations of VOC, hourly nighttime sampling was carried out for three nights at one of the industrial locations (Shiohama). Samples were analyzed using gas chromatographic system (GC-FID). Results show strong variation between day and nighttime concentrations and among the seasons. Aliphatic fractions were most abundant, suggesting petrochemical storage facilities as the major source of atmospheric hydrocarbons. High concentrations of benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, and xylene (BTEX) were observed at industrial locations. BTEX showed strong diurnal variation which is attributed to change in meteorology. During our campaign, low ambient VOC concentrations were observed at the residential site

Occurrence and fate of phthalate in urban area: Case of Parisian sewer network and wastewater treatment plant [Devenir des phtalates en milieu urbain: De l'égout au rejet de la station d'épuration]

National audienceThis work reports the results obtained in the third phase of the OPUR program on the quality of wastewater passing through the Parisian sewer network, and in influent and effluent of the wastewater treatment plant of Seine Centre. Its purpose is to establish an inventory of the contamination by phthalates in an urban area. Furthermore, this study aims to determine the efficiency of various treatment processes (physico-chemical lamella clarification and biofiltration) in the phthalates removal. Concentrations in sewer network fluctuate between 0.60 and 3.91 μg/L for DnBP and BBP, and between 5.23 and 161 μg/L for DEP and DEHP. Additionally, concentrations vary between 0.97 and 6.01 μg/L for DnBP and BBP, and between 7.00 and 71.88 μg/L for DEP and DEHP in the raw influent. For DEHP, the concentration in the treated water (2.30 μg/L) exceeds the current EQS (1.30 μg/L) defined for the receiving environment. However, a dilution effect of these waters in the receiving environment will reduce the impact of this compound for the local flora and fauna. Finally, significant proportion pollution (> 83% for all compounds) is eliminated in the physico-chemical lamella clarification and the biofiltration with a lamella clarification that will promote the elimination of heavy compounds (DEHP, DBP and BBP) and a biofiltration eliminating mainly light compounds such as DEP

Occurrence and fate of phthalate in urban area: Case of Parisian sewer network and wastewater treatment plant [Devenir des phtalates en milieu urbain: De l'égout au rejet de la station d'épuration]

National audienceThis work reports the results obtained in the third phase of the OPUR program on the quality of wastewater passing through the Parisian sewer network, and in influent and effluent of the wastewater treatment plant of Seine Centre. Its purpose is to establish an inventory of the contamination by phthalates in an urban area. Furthermore, this study aims to determine the efficiency of various treatment processes (physico-chemical lamella clarification and biofiltration) in the phthalates removal. Concentrations in sewer network fluctuate between 0.60 and 3.91 μg/L for DnBP and BBP, and between 5.23 and 161 μg/L for DEP and DEHP. Additionally, concentrations vary between 0.97 and 6.01 μg/L for DnBP and BBP, and between 7.00 and 71.88 μg/L for DEP and DEHP in the raw influent. For DEHP, the concentration in the treated water (2.30 μg/L) exceeds the current EQS (1.30 μg/L) defined for the receiving environment. However, a dilution effect of these waters in the receiving environment will reduce the impact of this compound for the local flora and fauna. Finally, significant proportion pollution (> 83% for all compounds) is eliminated in the physico-chemical lamella clarification and the biofiltration with a lamella clarification that will promote the elimination of heavy compounds (DEHP, DBP and BBP) and a biofiltration eliminating mainly light compounds such as DEP

Occurrence and fate of phthalate in urban area: Case of Parisian sewer network and wastewater treatment plant [Devenir des phtalates en milieu urbain: De l'égout au rejet de la station d'épuration]

National audienceThis work reports the results obtained in the third phase of the OPUR program on the quality of wastewater passing through the Parisian sewer network, and in influent and effluent of the wastewater treatment plant of Seine Centre. Its purpose is to establish an inventory of the contamination by phthalates in an urban area. Furthermore, this study aims to determine the efficiency of various treatment processes (physico-chemical lamella clarification and biofiltration) in the phthalates removal. Concentrations in sewer network fluctuate between 0.60 and 3.91 μg/L for DnBP and BBP, and between 5.23 and 161 μg/L for DEP and DEHP. Additionally, concentrations vary between 0.97 and 6.01 μg/L for DnBP and BBP, and between 7.00 and 71.88 μg/L for DEP and DEHP in the raw influent. For DEHP, the concentration in the treated water (2.30 μg/L) exceeds the current EQS (1.30 μg/L) defined for the receiving environment. However, a dilution effect of these waters in the receiving environment will reduce the impact of this compound for the local flora and fauna. Finally, significant proportion pollution (> 83% for all compounds) is eliminated in the physico-chemical lamella clarification and the biofiltration with a lamella clarification that will promote the elimination of heavy compounds (DEHP, DBP and BBP) and a biofiltration eliminating mainly light compounds such as DEP