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Ethanol Impacts on BTEX Plumes
Citation:
Weaver, Jim, J. Wilson, R. Earle, AND N. Ahsanuzzaman. Ethanol Impacts on BTEX Plumes. Presented at 23rd National Tanks Conference and Expo, March 19 - 21, 2012.
Impact/Purpose:
Presentation for the 23rd National Tanks Conference and Expo on March 20, 2012 in St. Louis, Missouri.
Description:
The impacts of ethanol on benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes (BTEX) are beginning to become established through laboratory, modeling and field research. Usage of ethanol, which increased due to federal mandates, drives interest and potential impacts on BTEX. Through compliance with federal mandates ethanol in gasoline varies around the U.S.--three examples are presented. Laboratory physical model studies illustrate the potential for co-location of BTEX and ethanol after a release. Modeling using examples from Loudoun County, Virginia shows the potential impacts on a benzene plume and the potential for ethanol to expand the plume length. Emerging knowledge and features of transport in realistic geological settings points the way to improved modeling approaches in the future.