Environmental Engineering Commons^™

An Improved Method Of Gas Chromatographic Determination Of Trace Organic Vapors In Ambient Air Collected In Canisters, Yong-Jin Shen

Theses

An improved method for analysis and quantitation of volatile organic compounds in ambient air has been developed. Samples are collected in evacuated SUMMA polished stainless steel canisters using a sampling flow apparatus with a critical orifice as flowrate controller. Analysis of VOCs in the collected air is carried out by cryogenically concentrating the sample, then thermally transfering it onto the head of a capillary column in a gas chromatograph. The column effluent is measured by a parallel flame ionization detector (FID), and electron capture detector (ECD). The problems associating with quantitative transfer of the sample to the initial cryofocusing loop …

Thermal Desorption Of Hazardous And Toxic Organic Compounds From Soil Matrices : Dichloromethane, Chloroform, Benzene, Toluene, 1-Chloronaphthalene, 1, 2, 4-Trichlorobenzene, Arun S. Chemburkar

Theses

This research project was undertaken to understand the process of desorption/removal of organic compounds from soil matrices under the influence of temperature and gas purging. The project was divided in two parts :

A. Plug deposition experiments: Columns packed with soil matrices were purged with an inert gas under isothermal conditions. Organic compounds were then introduced as a plug on the front of the column by on-line injection. The rate of passage (due to sequential adsorption/desorption) of the plug through the various soil matrices was measured by a gas chromatograph equipped with a flame ionization detector (FID). The compounds studied …

Optimal Design Aspects Of A Unit Treating Hazardous Wastes Via Biodegradation : A Theoretical Approach, Farnaz Saghafi

Theses

The treatment of wastes via biodegradation is a widely utilized technique in most industries today. The kinetics of biodegradation, in most cases, follow either the Monod (non-inhibitory) or Andrews (also known as Haldane, inhibitory) model as indicated by published experimental data. The present study investigates aspects of the optimal design of a unit treating wastes when the biodegradation kinetics are those mentioned above. The criterion of optimality is the minimum volume achieving a desired conversion under given load conditions.

Two alternatives from the point of view of the number of vessels (one and two), and three alternatives from the operational …

Adsorption Of Nickel And Lead With Activated Sludge, Chi-Yun Chen

Theses

Wastewater produced in domestic, commercial, and industrial activities often contains significant amounts of metals. This would result in the discharge of heavy metals into the sewer system. Some of the heavy metals can be adsorbed by activated sludge. This may present a problem for the treatment and ultimate disposal of sludge.

The purpose of the research was to determine how much metals can be adsorbed by sludge. Nickel and Lead were selected for this investigation because of their environmental significance. Both belong to priority pollutants considered potentially toxic. Factors affecting the adsorption, such as sludge concentration, metal concentration, mixing condition, …

Application Of Computer Techniques In Groundwater Contamination Studies, Komratchi Raman

Theses

A study has been undertaken to provide insight into two related aspects of groundwater contamination studies - contaminant transport behavior and its analysis by modeling techniques. The study reviews recent research that explains some of the uncertainties in the transport and fate of chemical contaminants in groundwater. Approaches to modeling techniques and data reduction are developed to illustrate their usefulness in analysing existing groundwater data, and to make predictions on the future water chemical characteristics. Three types of study areas have been chosen for this purpose, each representing a different type of groundwater contamination problem. The first study area has …

Separation And Characterization Of Biologically Significant Chemical Classes In Airborne Particulate Organic Matter : Measurement Of Selected Chemical Classes In Freshly Collected Air Samples, Xueying Sun

Theses

Since hazardous materials present in airborne pollutants can affect human health and environmental quality and most of the specific compounds remain uncharacterized, a study was conducted to characterize airborne particulate extractable organic matter (EOM) with respect to chemical composition. Specifically, a number of chemical classes including N-heterocycles, phenols, quinones, carboxylic acids, and especially N-nitrosamines were tested using an integrated chemical class screening system.

The inhalable particulate matter was collected, using a high volume 10 um inlet sampler, on the roof of Tiernan Hall, New Jersey Institute of Technology, which is located off Warren Street in Newark. Sequential solvent extractions yielded …

Degradation Of Aniline And Nitrobenzene In A Photoreactor, Michael Joseph Sowa

Theses

Degradation of aniline and nitrobenzene in aqueuous solutions was studied. Five reaction processes were utilized, including ultraviolet light, ozone, O₂/UV, O₃/O₂/UV, and H₂O₂/UV. A 30 liter semi-batch gas sparged reactor was used for the development of reaction rate and mass transfer parameters in these systems. The results were used to model a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) for the O₃/O₂/UV case. Reasonable agreement was obtained for steady state exit concentrations between the experimental data and those predicted from the model.

Thermal Decomposition Of Dichlorobenzene In An Atmosphere Of Hydrogen And Helium, Mingta Hung

Theses

Reactions of dilute mixtures of dichlorobenzene in hydrogen and in helium were studied in a tubular reactor at a pressure of 1 atm, residence times of 0.04 to 2.7 seconds, and temperature range of 825 to 1000° C. Product distributions at various reaction conditions are measured with a flame ionization detector gas chromatograph, and qualitative analysis of batch samples was also performed by GC/Mass Spectrometry. The major products were observed as the thermodynamically stable species, HC1, Cis), benzene and chlorobenzene. Thermal reaction in helium at 1 second residence time in 1.05 cm ID reactor yielded less benzene and chlorobenzene when …

Analysis Of Nitrated Polycyclic Hydrocarbons, Pah-Quinones And Related Compounds In Ambient Air, Yalan Wang

Theses

Studies were conducted to characterized airborne particulate extractable organic matter (EOM) with respect to chemical composition and biological activity. It has been well established that the nitrated polycyclic hydrocarbons (nitroPAH) are environmental contaminants. To identify nitro-PAH in ambient air sample, a technique was developed involving introduction of a reducer column into an reversephase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system. Strong fluorescence signals were achieved from nitro-PAH and detected together with u.v. signals for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of nitro-PAH. 2-Nitrotriptycene was synthesized according to published procedures and used as an internal standard. By use of the above technique, 9nitroanthracene, …

Groundwater Contamination Studies At A Sanitary Landfill In New Jersey, Yau-Chorng Chien

Theses

Edgeboro Landfill, a site used for the disposal of municipal and industrial refuse, is one of the largest landfills in New Jersey. The landfill has been in operation since 1954, serving the solid waste disposal needs of local townships and a major portion of Middlessex and the surrounding counties. The landfill was not equipped with a liner and a leachate collection system at the time of start up. The leachate collection line around the landfill, on-site leachate treatment by three stabilization ponds and subsurface cut-off wall were provided to minimize the discharge of leachate into adjacent waters in 1979. Groundwater …

Thermal Desorption Of Hazardous And Toxic Organic Compounds From Soil Matrices, Michael L. Hornsby

Theses

The purpose of this initial laboratory scale research project was to study and demonstrate the feasibility in removal of selected toxic organic compounds from soil by thermal desorption and gas purge. Applying heat and a flow of inert gas to the soil increases the volatilization and effects removal of organic compounds from soil. The work was done in two parts: First, organic solvents were injected into columns containing real and simulated soil matrices. The columns were heated to one of the four temperatures and purged with a flow of nitrogen carrier gas. The organic vapors were deposited as a plug …

Kinetic Study Of Degradation Of Refractory Organic Chemicals : 2, 4-Dichlorophenol, 2, 4-D And Pyridine; Using Ozone/Hydrogen Peroxide/Uv Radiation, Milind K. Pradhan

Theses

In this study Ozone/Hydrogen Peroxide/UV radiation is used to destroy refractory organic chemicals in aqueous solutions. 2,4-dichlorophenol, 2,4-D and Pyridine are the three chemicals used. Hydrogen Peroxide in combination with UV light proved to be most effective in destroying the parent chemical completely. Ozone and UV system was the next most effective system. UV alone was the least effective.

Kinetic study of the Hydrogen Peroxide and UV system was done using a Chemkin program. The results predicted by the Chemkin program matched closely with the experimental results. More work is currently being done using the Chemkin program to study other …

The Degradation Of Trace Pollutants In Wastewater, Christine M. Cheng

Theses

The effect of different treatments on the degradation of chlorinated organic pollutants in wastewater has been studied. The model compound investigated was para-chlorophenol. The different treatments used were ozone, UV irradiation, ultrasound, air flow and pure oxygen.

It is concluded that ozone has the greatest effect, ozone-UV irradiation follows closely behind, and UV irradiation has much less of an effect in degrading the p-chlorophenol.

P-chlorophenol was found to have an immeasureably slow degradation rate when treated with air even at an elevated temperature of 55°C.

The oxygen, at room temperature, showed a degradation of p-chlorophenol which, although small, was much …

Novel High Resolution Columns For Gas Chromatography, Douglas Kenneth Stout

Theses

A study was conducted to determine if BN would be a reliable solid phase or support for open tubular capillary columns and to develop a technique for the deposition of BN on the column's inner walls. The theoretical plate results for constructed precoated BN columns demonstrated that BN can be employed as solid stationary phase, but evinces low separation characteristics due to the nature of the drawing process. The development of a simple BN precoating process was tested on various diameter capillary columns and found to provide an excellent support for highly polar liquid stationary phases. Capillary columns with a …

Benzene Losses From Aqueous Solutions During Geotechnical Laboratory Testing, Konstadinos Vogiatzis

Theses

This study addressed the problem of using volatile organics in geotechnical laboratory tests. Previous experiments with volatile organics such as benzene and trichloroethylene with soils had shown significant concentration losses during the tests. The purpose of the study was to identify the sources of loss and to quantify the magnitude of loss.

Vapor - liquid equilibrium was used to predict theoretical evaporation losses of benzene from aqueous solutions. Calculations were made for both an infinite volume of air and for a finite volume. Experiments were then performed to verify the theoretical predictions.

Other losses considered were those during solution preparation, …

Feasibility Of Using Canine Olfaction As A Means Of Detecting Hazardous Substances, Stuart David Messur

Theses

Two specific applications for using canine olfaction as a means of detecting hazardous substances have been recognized: detection of residual contamination on hazardous waste cleanup equipment (DECON), and detection of leaking underground gasoline tanks (LUST).

With the DECON project, the dog's ability to detect low emissions of some common hazardous compounds was tested. As a safe and effective training tool for presenting hazardous compounds to the dog, permeation tubes filled with m-xylene or 1,1,1-trichloroethane were constructed and calibrated. Hidden tubes emitting as low as 0.5 µg/min were consistently detected by the dogs. During olfactory field tests, "hot spots" of m-xylene …

Steady-State Operation Of Bench-Scale Activated Sludge Process Using Phenol And 2-Chlorophenol As Substrates, Jeffrey Richard Caputi

Theses

Experiments were conducted to determine whether a continuous process similar to the common activated sludge process could be operated at a relative steady state with phenol and 2-chlorophenol as the sole carbon sources. After a number of unsuccessful trials, process conditions were developed which allowed for operation at a relative steady state with respect to the concentration of microorganisms in the reactor and the concentration of phenol and 2-chlorophenol in the effluent.

Phenol and 2-chlorophenol were removed at better than 99 percent efficiency on a continuous basis. The mixed liquor grown under the conditions of the experiment was highly filamentous …

High Temperature Reactions Of 1,2-Dichloroethane With Water Vapor In A Tubular Reactor, Charles E. Anderson

Theses

This study examines the reaction of l,2-dichloroethane with water vapor. The linear-flow method is utilized, assuming plug flow without axial diffusion. Normal operation is at atmospheric pressure and the reactor is a quartz tube in a thermal region 45 cm in length. Two reactor diameters of 0.4 cm and l.05 cm are used. Water and l,2-dichloroethane enter the system in liquid phase via syringe pumps. After vaporizing in heated tubing, they are combined with argon, the reactor carrier gas. The molar ratio of water to l,2-dichloroethane is 55:l and varied residence times are achieved by changing the argon flowrate. Reactor …

Investigation Of Water-Binding Properties Of Industrial Sludges Using Thermal Analysis As A Monitoring Tool, Ron Josephson

Theses

As part of a program to develop new and more cost-effective dewatering approaches for industrial hazardous wastes, sludges and synthetic "model" materials were analyzed by thermal methods in an attempt to comprehend their water-binding qualities and differentiate free and bound water. These thermal methods included Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TG), and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). Industrial sludges and laboratory models were compared using both standard heating techniques and subambient cooling (to -60°C). This latter technique provides direct indication of the amount of free water. This information can be very useful in evaluating and improving dewatering techniques for industrial …

A Study Of Hazardous Wastes Generated In New Jersey With Regard To The Siting Of Waste Disposal Facilities In The State, Shreerang Narayan Dharasker

Theses

The effective treatment and disposal of hazardous wastes is one of the most urgent problems facing the State of New Jersey today. New Jersey is the most densely populated state and is a leader in industry. Nearly every major industry in the nation is represented by one or many production units all of which generate copious amounts of hazardous and toxic wastes each year. Although the state has the toughest rules and regulations on the management of hazardous waste, there are very few options exercised or facilities cited for the effective treatment and disposal of wastes within the state boundaries. …

The Effect Of Toxic Substances On The Index Properties Of Soils, Ronald Dicola

Theses

Contaminated soils were tested to determine if a relationship existed between their index properties and hydraulic conductivity. Atterberg Limit tests and Particle Size Analysis tests were performed on Woodbury, Raritan and Brunswick formation soils. The chemicals examined were Benzene, Phenol and Trichloroethylene (TCE). Tests were performed following the ASTM Standard Test Methods with only slight modification to accommodate the use of contaminated soils. Two different methods of soil contamination were used, one for chemical solutions and the other for pure chemicals.

Particle Size Analysis tests were performed both with and without dispersing agent. Hydrometer tests with dispersing agent resulted in …

Air Pollutant Emissions From Non-Vented Radiant Kerosene Heater, Anil Kumar Mishra

Theses

Gaseous emissions from non-vented kerosene heaters can generate and create significant indoor air concentrations of various gaseous pollutants. Indoor air concentrations resulting from operating a portable non-vented radiant type kerosene heater in three rooms of size 38.7, 58.1 and 137 M³ were studied. Studies in the environmental chamber having a size of 38.7 M³ under two sets of ventilation conditions showed elevated levels of CO₂, total hydrocarbons and CO. An emission rate model was used to estimate the strength of pollutant source, for total hydrocarbons, CO₂ and CO with data reported in terms of mass …

Human Resources Planning In Construction Through Operations Research, Maria Pyla-Christodoulou

Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to examine different methods in the allocation of human resources in construction, using decision making through Operations Research. The methods described are divided into methods using mathematical models, and methods using heuristics. The mathematical models yield the optimum solution, while heuristics result in a satisfactory solution which can be improved by applying the optimization procedures described herein.

The human factor in construction is also examined, and methods of improving motivation among the construction workers are discussed.

Biodegradation Of Multiple Substrates In A Batch Reactor, Nilesh Naik

Theses

The biological degradation of multiple substrates was studied at room temperature in aerated 5-liter batch reactors using mixed liquor from the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commissioners wastewater treatment plant (Newark, New Jersey).

Two substrate mixtures were used (with initial concentration indicated in parenthesis): (1) phenol(100ppm) + nitrobenzene(10ppm) + 2,6-dichiorophenol(10ppm); (2) 2-chlorphenol(20ppm) + nitrobenzene(10ppm) + 2,6-dichlorphenol(10ppm). From concentration versus time data, kinetic rate constants for zero-order, first-order, and Monod models were determined. Most of the data were best fit by either the Monod or zero-order model. For all compounds tested biodegradation was the primary removal mechanism, and in many cases the rate …

Biodegradation Of Mixed Phenolic Substrates, Prasad Gonnabathula

Theses

The biological degradation of phenol, with either 2-chlorophenol, 2,6-dichlorophenol, or nitrobenzene as cosubstrates was studied in aerated five - liter batch reactors using mixed liquor from the Passaic Valley Sewarage Commissioners wastewater treatment plant (Newark, NJ). The initial substrate concentrations were: 100 – 150 ppm phenol, 10 - 20 ppm 2-cp, 10 ppm 2,3 dcp, and 10 - 20 ppm nitrobenzene. The concentration vs. time data were fit to three kinetic models: zero-order, first-order, and Monod(assuming constant biomass). Most of the data were best fit by either the Monod or zero-order model. For all compounds tested, biodegradation was the primary …

Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity Of Brunswick Soil With Aqueous Benzene Solution, Thomas R. Pisciotta

Theses

Tests measuring saturated hydraulic conductivity and dispersivity were conducted on Brunswick soil using an aqueous solution of benzene. The tests were performed using a flexible wall permeameter which was modified to allow extraction of effluent samples immediately upon exit of the test specimen. Influent and effluent samples were analyzed with a gas chromatograph in order to quantify dispersion and sorption in the specimen.

The test was performed using a confining pressure of 70 psi. and a hydraulic gradient of 100.3. Using a sample statically compacted to 99.2% of the Modified Proctor maximum density and tap water as a permeant, stable …

Determination Of Trace Quantities Of Selenium And Arsenic In Canned Tuna Fish Using Electroanalytical Techniques, Ann Marie Higham

Theses

Toxic metals are present in the environment and are known to be present in food. Selenium, which is considered an essential micronutrient, is recognized as a toxic metal at slightly higher concentrations. Arsenic is also recognized as a toxic metal. Selenium and Arsenic tend to accumulate in food, specifically fish and seafood.

Fifteen brands and types of tuna fish were analyzed for selenium using differential pulse cathodic stripping voltammetry. The cans with the high and low concentrations of selenium were analyzed for arsenic using differential pulse polarography. Three samples with three percent recoveries and a blank were analyzed for each …

A Study Of Parameters Indicating Microbial Activity In Mixed Aerobic Cultures, William Smith

Theses

Mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS), oxygen uptake rate (OUR) and general dehydrogenase activity, as expressed by the reduction of the electron-acceptor Dye 3-(4',5'-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 4-diphenyltetra-zolium bromide (MTT), were compared for their ability to measure microbial activity in mixed aerobic cultures. A fourth parameter, specific enzyme activity, was dropped from consideration because of the difficulty of developing a satisfactory experimental technique. Measurement of the parameters was applied to the biodegradation of phenol and o-chlorophenol by activated sludge from a municipal sewage treatment plant, and by two commercially available bacterial preparations.

MLSS, although the most commonly used of the three parameters tested, is …

Scheduling Effects Of 5-(3,3-Dimethyl-1-Triazeno)Imidazole-4-Carboxamide (Dtic) And 1,3-Bis-Chloroethyl-1-Nitrosourea (Bcnu) On Mouse Melanoma Cells B16cl5, Gracie V. Coffey

Theses

DTIC and BCNU have been demonstrated to have enhanced chemotherapeutic effects in mice bearing Bl6 mouse melanoma cells. The order of administration seems to be important in maintaining optimum effects. This was shown is a study by Hill et al. (unpublished).

In the present study, mouse melanoma cells, Bl6CL4, were treated with either DTIC or BCNU. The drug was allowed to remain on the cells for 2, 3, or 4 days. The drug-containing media were then removed, the cells were washed and fresh medium was added. The cells were incubated in an atmosphere of 5% CO2 and 95% air at …

The Kinetics And Hepatotoxicity Of Benzyl Chloride Vapor In Rats, Hari V. Rao

Theses

Male Sprague Dawley rats (250g) were exposed to benzyl chloride vapor at a concentration of 220 ppm for 6 hours. During inhalation, the blood benzyl chloride concentration increased to reach a steady state level of 9-10 ug/ml between 4 and 6 hours of exposure. A small concentration of benzyl chloride (0.86 ug/ml) was present in the blood four hours after the termination of exposure. The absorption half life was 0.53 hours (0.39-0.81) and the elimination half life was l.12 hour (0.93-l.40).

The absorbed benzyl chloride was largely retained in the blood and some of it (0.22 ug/g) was sequestered into …