Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons - Are They a Problem in Processed Oil Shales

摘要

Development of an oil shale industry could potentially expose spent shales to the natural elements and thereby introduce polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) into the environment where they may enter rivers and lakes and eventually public water supplies. In the first case, harms to the aquatic environment are possible. In the second, chlorine disinfection may convert some of these hydrocarbons into carcinogenic compounds. Analysis of the problem requires assessment of the amount of source material and its fate and potency. The organic chemistry literature was used to identify hydrocarbon regimes and classify 3 through 6 ring aromatic hydrocarbons in a tabular format. More than 100 organic compounds from processed oil shales were identified by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Sediment transport of eroded shale is an equally important potential shale source. Chlorine disinfection studies indicate that chlorination does not protect well buffered drinking water supplies from PAH-originating carcinogens. As to the threat to the natural environment, the PAH are believed to gradually degrade to smaller PAH and finally to aliphatic acid. Research on the processes and environmental effects at all stages need to be pursued.