Measurements and Correlations of MTBE and BETX in Traffic Tunnels

Hsieh, LTe; Wang, Y; Yang, H; Mi, HH

HERO ID

1961174

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2011

Language

English

HERO ID 1961174
In Press No
Year 2011
Title Measurements and Correlations of MTBE and BETX in Traffic Tunnels
Authors Hsieh, LTe; Wang, Y; Yang, H; Mi, HH
Journal Aerosol and Air Quality Research
Volume 11
Issue 6
Page Numbers 763-775
Abstract In this study, the concentrations of five volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including BTEX and methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE), were investigated in five different traffic tunnels (including Liangshan, Yueguangshan, Zoying, Guogang and Zhongliao tunnels) in southern Taiwan. Results showed that Guogang Tunnel was the most polluted with the highest average levels of both MTBE and BTEX while ethylbenzene had the lowest levels. The range of measured concentration of toluene in Liangshan, Yueguangshan, Zoying, Guogang and Zhongliao tunnels were from 5.6 to 6.2 (mean = 1.6), from 0.0 to 62.3 (mean = 17.6), from 2.7 to 26.7 (mean = 13.1), from 15.2 to 125.5 (mean = 57.5), and from 43.7 to 197.1 (mean = 115.8) mu g/m(3), respectively. In Guogang Tunnel, the average MTBE-BTEX ratios at two peak rush periods were (5.0:1, 5:3, 4:1, 0:1, 5:1.1) and (5.7:1, 3:3, 2:1, 0:1, 4:1.1). From morning till night, the ratios at different sampling periods in the five different tunnels suggest the existence of both different traffic flow and variations in traffic fleet type in different tunnels. T/B ratio ranged from 0 to 2.3, from 0 to 1.9, from 0.6 to 2.5, from 0.9 to 2.6 and from 0 to 10.5 in Liangshan, Yueguangshan, Zoying, Guogang and Zhongliao tunnels, respectively. We also observed a wide range of (m+p+o)-xylenes/ethylbenzene (Sigma X/E) or m,p-X/E ratio in all five tunnels. The m,p-xylene/ethylbenzene ratio ranged from 2.2 to 5.7, from 1.4 to 3.3, from 2.0 to 7.7, from 1.4 to 1.5 and from 5.5 to 8.1 in Liangshan, Yueguangshan, Zoying, Guogang and Zhongliao Tunnels, respectively. Notably, those high Sigma X/E ratios in all tunnels reflect a fresh air parcel in the tunnels due to the enclosed/half-enclosed environment. Nevertheless, it is important that the characteristics of X/E in different traffic tunnels are explored.
Doi 10.4209/aaqr.2011.03.0035
Wosid WOS:000298003500014
Url https://www.proquest.com/docview/954647182?accountid=171501&bdid=65280&_bd=PqvEHrjmkNhzFaMkAMyDM8Tb%2FrY%3D
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Keyword Characteristic ratio; Tunnel; Traffic; BTEX; MTBE