VOCs and PAHs emissions from creosote-treated wood in a field storage area

Abstract

In this study, the emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs, in this case aromatic hydrocarbons containing one benzene ring and furans) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from wood recently treated with creosote are examined. The VOCs and PAHs were identified and quantified in the gas phase. Additionally, the PAHs were quantified in the particulate phase. Glass multi-sorbent tubes (Carbotrap, Carbopack X, Carboxen-569) were used to hold the VOCs. The analysis was performed using automatic thermal desorption (ATD) coupled with capillary gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). PAHs vapours were collected on XAD-2 resin, and particulate matter was collected on glass fibre filters. The PAHs were analysed using GC/MS. The main components of the vapours released from the creosote-treated wood were naphthalene, toluene, m + p-xylene, ethylbenzene, o-xylene, isopropylbenzene, benzene and 2-methylnaphthalene. VOCs emission concentrations ranged from 35 mg m − 3 of air on the day of treatment to 5 mg m − 3 eight days later. PAHs emission concentrations ranged from 28 μg m − 3 of air on the day of treatment to 4 μg m − 3 eight days later. The air concentrations of PAHs in particulate matter were composed predominantly of benzo[ b + j]fluoranthene, benzo[ a]anthracene, chrysene, fluoranthene, benzo[ e]pyrene and 1-methylnaphthalene. The emission concentrations of particulate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons varied between 0.2 and 43.5 ng m − 3 . Finally, the emission factors of VOCs and PAHs were determined.