Odorous Compounds: Identification in Tar-Contaminated Soil Samples from Manufactured Gas Plants. Topical Report, September 1987-March 1989

摘要

Odors from manufactured gas plant (MGP) sites may become noticeable when contaminated materials buried beneath the surface become exposed during site investigations, remediation or utility repairs. These odors may cause concern about potential health risks at the site. The primary objectives of the research were to identify the chemical compounds responsible for the characteristic MGP odor and to evaluate the potential health risks associated with the odors. A secondary objective was to assess the use of odor as a semi-quantitative tool for site investigations. The compounds most responsible for tarry odors were naphthalene derivatives, indene derivatives and thiophene derivatives; other odor compounds included alkanes, alkenes, furans and pyridines. Because naphthalene, indene and thiophene derivatives can be detected at concentrations below exposure standards for humans, they do not pose a health risk unless odors are very strong. However, because aromatic compounds often associated with tarry materials have higher odor detection limits, air monitoring is recommended (particularly if odors are aromatic in nature) to ensure that compliance with health standards is attained. Odor intensity can provide a semi-quantitative measure of relative tar concentrations, and can be a useful field tool during site investigations.