Robert S Wright | United States Environmental Protection Agency (original) (raw)

Education

B.S., Physics; University of Dayton, 1971.
M.S., Environmental Sciences and Engineering; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1980.

Certification

Qualified Environmental Professional (Institute of Professional Environmental Practice Certificate No. 02940028, certified in 1994 and renewed in 1999, 2004, 2009, 2014, and 2019).

Summary of Work Experience

Mr. Wright has 21 years' experience as a chemist in US Environmental Protection Agency's Air Methods and Characterization Division in Research Triangle Park, NC. He provides quality assurance (QA) support, including QA document preparation and reviews and QA audits of technical and quality systems. He gives technical support to the EPA Protocol Gas program, including revising the EPA traceability protocol for gaseous calibration standards. He gives QA support to field emission monitoring projects for per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

Mr. Wright also has 24 years' experience as an environmental scientist at RTI International in Research Triangle Park, NC. His experience in QA ranged from preparing QA guidance documents to conducting accuracy assessments of gaseous calibration standards. He was also involved in instrument evaluation, environmental measurements, hazardous wastes, and atmospheric chemistry. In addition, he has 3 years' experience as an engineering technician in the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency in Columbus, Ohio, where he was involved in the performance evaluation, calibration, and repair of ambient air quality monitors.

Mr. Wright was a US Peace Corps volunteer for 2 years in Botswana where he taught integrated science and mathematics at a rural community junior secondary school.

Mr. Wright has good communications skills and has prepared EPA QA guidance documents, project reports, journal articles, and conference papers. His technical skills include laboratory and field measurements. His work is characterized by attention to detail, flexibility, productivity, organization, and dependability. He works well individually or in a team.
Supervisors: Lara P Phelps and Division Director
Phone: 919-309-9622
Address: 4615 Greenglen Drive, Durham, NC 27705

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Papers by Robert S Wright

US EPA Publication No. EPA-600/7-81-002, January 1981, 1981

The photochemical behavior of mixtures of selected sulfur spec;es, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxi... more The photochemical behavior of mixtures of selected sulfur spec;es, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides was examined under atmospheric conditions simulated in outdoor smog chambers. Sulfur dioxide, H2S, CH3SH, COS, and thiophene are the sulfur species that were tested. A surrogate ambient nonmethane hydrocarbon mixture (known as the EKMA Mix) was selected. This hydrocarbon mixture was compromised of 25 percent propene and 75 percent butane on a carbon basis. A 5-by-5 experimental matrix was designed, where initial EKMA Mix concentrations ranged from 0.0 to 2.0 ppmC, initial NOx concentrations ranged from 0.0 to 0.4 ppm (20 percent NO2), and the initial HC/NOx ratios ranged from 0 to 40 ppmC/ppm. The photochemical behavior of mixtures of a selected sulfur species, the EKMA Mix, and NOx was examined by conducting experiments at various points on the matrix both with and without 1 ppm of each sulfur species. A total of 172 single-chamber experiments was conducted over 43 test days during 1978 and 1979. The experimental results were analyzed to determine the impact of the presence of each test species on the production of ozone, 502 , and particulate sulfur. In selected cases, the influence of the presence of each test species on the calculated average OH concentration was also examined. Upper limit values of the rate constants for the reactions of OH with H2S, with thiophene, and with CH3SH were estimated. This report was submitted in fulfillment of Contract No. 68-02-2969 by the Research Triangle Institute under the sponsorship of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This report covers the period July 28, 1978 to March 27, 1980.

Presentation at the 82nd Annual Meeting of the Air and Waste Management Association Anaheim, California June 25-30, 1989 , 1989

Studies of environmental acid deposition require monitoring of very low levels of several atmosph... more Studies of environmental acid deposition require monitoring of very low levels of several atmospheric pollutants. Various passive and active samplers have been used to collect integrated atmospheric sampler for such studies. Continuous analyzers offer an advantage because of their capability to provide more detailed information on the diurnal concentration patterns of the pollutants of interest. The U.S. EPA acquired two continuous NO and one SO 2 analyzer models with sufficient sensitivity to be potentially useful in stugies of acid deposition. During the spring of 1988, RTI conducted laboratory and field evaluations of the extrasensitive analyzers. The analyzers' ranges were 0 to 50 ppb for the NO, analyzers and 0 to 10 ppb for the SO analyzers. In the laboratory evaluation, performance parameters such as precision, limit of detection and interferences were quantitated. In the 31-day field evaluation, zero and span factor drifts and precision were quantitated.

Current techniques available for the in situ measurement of ambient trace gas species, particulat... more Current techniques available for the in situ measurement of ambient trace gas species, particulate composition, and particulate size distribution are reviewed. The operational specifications of the various techniques are described. Most of the techniques described are those that have been used in airborne applications or show promise of being adaptable to airborne applications. Some of the instruments described are specialty items that are not commercially-available. In situ measurement techniques for several meteorological parameters important in the study of the distribution and transport of ambient air pollutants are discussed. Some remote measurement techniques for meteorological parameters are also discussed. State-of-the-art measurement capabilities are compared with a list of capabilities and specifications desired by NASA for ambient measurements in the global troposphere.

Multiple-day experiments were conducted in outdoor smog chambers to investigate the influence of ... more Multiple-day experiments were conducted in outdoor smog chambers to investigate the influence of simulated transport on ozone generation by various combinations of a surrogate urban hydrocarbon mixture and nitrogen oxides. The simulation of transport was accomplished by progressively diluting the contents of the chambers with purified air. First day ozone maximum concentrations were reduced under dilution conditions and were sensitive to both dilution rate and time at which dilution was initiated. Second and third-day ozone maxima were reduced at increasing dilution rates, but the reduction was less than proportional to the extent of dilution. The ozone-generative potential of an aged photochemical system generally exceeded 0.08 ppM. Additional experiments were conducted to examine the ozone-generative potential of low reactivity hydrocarbons, to provide data for testing and validation of a computer-based photochemical simulation model, and to compare the behavior of two types of ou...

US EPA Publication No. EPA-600/7-78-029, March 1978 , 1978

The atmospheric chemistry of chemical species that may be emitted from fuel conversion facilities... more The atmospheric chemistry of chemical species that may be emitted from fuel conversion facilities were studied in smog chambers. Of 17 compounds assessed for ozone-forming potential, 6 compounds were selected along with a control species, propylene, for testing in the presence of nitrogen oxides in four outdoor smog chambers. Selected compounds were furan, pyrole, thiophene, methanethiol, methyl sulfide, and methyl disulfide. Multiday exposures were performed, and both static and transport conditions were simulated. Ozone and sulfur dioxide formation was examined. The behavior of the test compounds was compared to that of a surrogate urban mix.

ABSTRACT The purpose of this protocol is to give analytical and statistical procedures that may b... more ABSTRACT The purpose of this protocol is to give analytical and statistical procedures that may be used to establish National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)-traceability for gaseous calibration standards. In 1997, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, revised its 1993 version of its traceability protocol for the assay and certification of compressed gas and permeation-device calibration standards. The protocol allows producers of gaseous standards, users of gaseous standards, and other analytical laboratories to establish traceability of EPA Protocol Gases to gaseous reference standards produced by the NIST. Parts 50, 58, 60, 72, and 75 of Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) require using Standard Reference Materials (SRMs) or gaseous standards traceable to SRMs for calibrating and auditing ambient air and stationary source pollutant monitoring systems. The purposes of the 1997 revision were to revise the statistical procedures in the 1993 version, to consolidate two earlier published versions, and other improvements. This 2012 revision of the protocol has made several major and minor changes from the 1997 revision, including the statistical test that is used to determine the stability of reactive gas mixtures has been changed from Student's t-test to Schuirmann's two one-sided tests (TOST), a new procedure and an associated spreadsheet have been prepared for the assay and certification of a compressed gas zero air material as conforming to 40 CFR Part 72.2, and a new procedure and a new spreadsheet has been prepared for the assay and certification of dynamic gas dilution systems. The producers of reference standards that are assayed and certified under this protocol are allowed one year after the publication of this revision of the protocol to implement the changes that have been made to this protocol.

Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association, 2022

Concentrations of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) present in wastewater treatment bio... more Concentrations of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) present in wastewater treatment biosolids is a growing concern. Pyrolysis is a thermal treatment technology for biosolids that can produce a useful biochar product with reduced levels of PFAS and other contaminants. In August 2020, a limited-scope study investigated target PFAS removal of a commercial pyrolysis system processing biosolids with analysis of 41 target PFAS compounds in biosolids and biochar performed by two independent laboratories. The concentrations of 21 detected target compounds in the input biosolids ranged between approximately 2 µg/kg and 85 µg/kg. No PFAS compounds were detected in the biochar. The PFAS concentrations in the biochar were assumed to equal the compounds' minimum detection limits (MDLs). The pyrolysis system's target PFAS removal efficiencies (REs) were estimated to range between >81.3% and >99.9% (mean = >97.4%) with the lowest REs being associated with the lowest detected PFAS concentrations and the highest MDLs. No information on non-target PFAS compounds in influent or effluent media or products of incomplete combustion were considered. Select gaseous emissions were measured by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry to provide additional information on air emissions after process controls. This limited-scope study indicated that additional research to further understand this process is warranted. Implications StatementDevelopment of alternative approaches to manage PFAS-impacted biosolids is of emerging international importance. A commercially operating biosolids pyrolysis process was shown to lower target PFAS levels in produced biochar. Additional research is warranted to understand all potential PFAS transformation emission routes and optimal air pollution emissions control strategies for this technology class.

JAPCA, 1987

ABSTRACT Two performances audits of calibration gas mixtures were conducted by RTI in 1985 to ass... more ABSTRACT Two performances audits of calibration gas mixtures were conducted by RTI in 1985 to assess the accuracy of certified concentrations assigned by speciality gas producers. The first audit involved the purchase and analysis of EPA Protocol No. 1 gases from 11 specialty gas producers. These mixtures contained sulfur dioxide in nitrogen, nitric oxide in nitrogen, and carbon monoxide in air. Such mixtures are used for the calibration and auditing of ambient air quality analyzers and continuous emissions monitoring systems. The second audit involved the purchase and analysis of I/M calibration gases from 13 specialty gas producers. These mixtures contained carbon monoxide and propane in nitrogen. Such mixtures are used for the calibration and auditing of motor vehicle emission analyzers. This note summarizes the analytical results from these two audits.

Air & Waste, 1994

Gas dilution systems can be used for multipoint calibrations of pollutant gas analyzers and for t... more Gas dilution systems can be used for multipoint calibrations of pollutant gas analyzers and for the analysis and certification of compressed gas calibration standards. This laboratory evaluation obtained estimates of the accuracy and precision of four representative gas dilution systems. Diluted and undiluted gas mixtures containing carbon monoxide, nitric oxide or sulfur dioxide in nitrogen were sampled by pollutant gas

Journal of the Air Pollution Control Association, 1985

Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association, 1999

Research Triangle Institute and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency conducted several projec... more Research Triangle Institute and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency conducted several projects to measure hydrocarbon emissions associated with the manufacture of fiberglass-reinforced plastics. The purpose of these projects was to evaluate pollution prevention techniques to reduce emissions by altering raw materials, application equipment, and operator technique. Analytical techniques were developed to reduce the cost of these emission measurements. Emissions from a small test mold in a temporary total enclosure (TTE) correlated with emissions from full-size production molds in a separate TTE. Gravimetric mass balance measurements inside the TTE generally agreed to within ± 30 % with total hydrocarbon (THC) measurements in the TTE exhaust duct. Pure styrene evaporation tests served as quality control checks for THC measurements and generally agreed to within ± 5 %.

Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association, 1999

Pollution prevention (P2) options to reduce styrene emissions, such as new materials and applicat... more Pollution prevention (P2) options to reduce styrene emissions, such as new materials and application equipment, are commercially available to the operators of open molding processes. However, information is lacking on the emissions reduction that these options can achieve. To meet this need, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Air Pollution Prevention and Control Division, working in collaboration with Research Triangle Institute, measured styrene emissions for several of these P2 options. In addition, the emission factors calculated from these test results were compared with the existing EPA emission factors for gel coat sprayup and resin applications. Results show that styrene emissions can be reduced by up to 52% by using controlled spraying (i.e., reducing overspray), low-styrene and styrene-suppressed materials, and nonatomizing application equipment. Also, calculated emission factors were 1.6-2.5 times greater than the mid-range EPA emission factors for the corresponding gel coat and resin application. These results indicate that facilities using existing EPA emission factors to estimate emissions in open molding processes are likely to underestimate actual emissions. Facilities should investigate the applicability and feasibility of these P2 options to reduce their styrene emissions.

Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association, 1998

A portable Fourier transform infrared gas analyzer with a photoacoustic detector performed reliab... more A portable Fourier transform infrared gas analyzer with a photoacoustic detector performed reliably during pollution prevention research at two industrial facilities. It exhibited good agreement (within approximately 6%) with other analytical instruments (dispersive infrared and flame ionization) when analyte concentrations were high and relatively steady. It did not show good agreement when analyte concentrations were low (approximately 10 parts per million [ppm]) or were varying rapidly (less than 1.5 min). The precision for total acetates measurements was estimated to be approximately 40 ppm for measurements in the 0- to 700-ppm region. The precision for styrene measurements was estimated to be approximately 10 ppm for measurements in the 0- to 90-ppm region.

Advances in Environmental Research, 2003

Styrene is the monomer used as a cross-linking agent in the majority of fiber-reinforced plastics... more Styrene is the monomer used as a cross-linking agent in the majority of fiber-reinforced plastics manufacturing processes. Its evaporation is undesirable from environmental, health and safety, and economic perspectives. The TM Ž TM. effect of a proprietary Fluid Impingement Technology FIT nozzle, developed by Magnum Industries, on styrene emissions was evaluated and compared to other conventional application equipment ᎏ conventional spray Ž. TM guns and flow coaters operated at both low and high pressure. The FIT nozzle produced less styrene emissions during both gel coating and resin testing, with significant emissions reduction occurring during the application process.

Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 1992

... Aquatic photodegradation of albendazole (ABZ) and ita three major metabolites, albendazole su... more ... Aquatic photodegradation of albendazole (ABZ) and ita three major metabolites, albendazole sulfoxide (ABZSO), albendazole sulfone (ABZS03, and 2 ... Later studies were devel-oped with more emphasis on providing a quantitative framework for reaction kinetics (Zepp and Cline ...

US EPA Publication No. EPA-600/7-81-002, January 1981, 1981

The photochemical behavior of mixtures of selected sulfur spec;es, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxi... more The photochemical behavior of mixtures of selected sulfur spec;es, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides was examined under atmospheric conditions simulated in outdoor smog chambers. Sulfur dioxide, H2S, CH3SH, COS, and thiophene are the sulfur species that were tested. A surrogate ambient nonmethane hydrocarbon mixture (known as the EKMA Mix) was selected. This hydrocarbon mixture was compromised of 25 percent propene and 75 percent butane on a carbon basis. A 5-by-5 experimental matrix was designed, where initial EKMA Mix concentrations ranged from 0.0 to 2.0 ppmC, initial NOx concentrations ranged from 0.0 to 0.4 ppm (20 percent NO2), and the initial HC/NOx ratios ranged from 0 to 40 ppmC/ppm. The photochemical behavior of mixtures of a selected sulfur species, the EKMA Mix, and NOx was examined by conducting experiments at various points on the matrix both with and without 1 ppm of each sulfur species. A total of 172 single-chamber experiments was conducted over 43 test days during 1978 and 1979. The experimental results were analyzed to determine the impact of the presence of each test species on the production of ozone, 502 , and particulate sulfur. In selected cases, the influence of the presence of each test species on the calculated average OH concentration was also examined. Upper limit values of the rate constants for the reactions of OH with H2S, with thiophene, and with CH3SH were estimated. This report was submitted in fulfillment of Contract No. 68-02-2969 by the Research Triangle Institute under the sponsorship of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This report covers the period July 28, 1978 to March 27, 1980.

Presentation at the 82nd Annual Meeting of the Air and Waste Management Association Anaheim, California June 25-30, 1989 , 1989

Studies of environmental acid deposition require monitoring of very low levels of several atmosph... more Studies of environmental acid deposition require monitoring of very low levels of several atmospheric pollutants. Various passive and active samplers have been used to collect integrated atmospheric sampler for such studies. Continuous analyzers offer an advantage because of their capability to provide more detailed information on the diurnal concentration patterns of the pollutants of interest. The U.S. EPA acquired two continuous NO and one SO 2 analyzer models with sufficient sensitivity to be potentially useful in stugies of acid deposition. During the spring of 1988, RTI conducted laboratory and field evaluations of the extrasensitive analyzers. The analyzers' ranges were 0 to 50 ppb for the NO, analyzers and 0 to 10 ppb for the SO analyzers. In the laboratory evaluation, performance parameters such as precision, limit of detection and interferences were quantitated. In the 31-day field evaluation, zero and span factor drifts and precision were quantitated.

Current techniques available for the in situ measurement of ambient trace gas species, particulat... more Current techniques available for the in situ measurement of ambient trace gas species, particulate composition, and particulate size distribution are reviewed. The operational specifications of the various techniques are described. Most of the techniques described are those that have been used in airborne applications or show promise of being adaptable to airborne applications. Some of the instruments described are specialty items that are not commercially-available. In situ measurement techniques for several meteorological parameters important in the study of the distribution and transport of ambient air pollutants are discussed. Some remote measurement techniques for meteorological parameters are also discussed. State-of-the-art measurement capabilities are compared with a list of capabilities and specifications desired by NASA for ambient measurements in the global troposphere.

Multiple-day experiments were conducted in outdoor smog chambers to investigate the influence of ... more Multiple-day experiments were conducted in outdoor smog chambers to investigate the influence of simulated transport on ozone generation by various combinations of a surrogate urban hydrocarbon mixture and nitrogen oxides. The simulation of transport was accomplished by progressively diluting the contents of the chambers with purified air. First day ozone maximum concentrations were reduced under dilution conditions and were sensitive to both dilution rate and time at which dilution was initiated. Second and third-day ozone maxima were reduced at increasing dilution rates, but the reduction was less than proportional to the extent of dilution. The ozone-generative potential of an aged photochemical system generally exceeded 0.08 ppM. Additional experiments were conducted to examine the ozone-generative potential of low reactivity hydrocarbons, to provide data for testing and validation of a computer-based photochemical simulation model, and to compare the behavior of two types of ou...

US EPA Publication No. EPA-600/7-78-029, March 1978 , 1978

The atmospheric chemistry of chemical species that may be emitted from fuel conversion facilities... more The atmospheric chemistry of chemical species that may be emitted from fuel conversion facilities were studied in smog chambers. Of 17 compounds assessed for ozone-forming potential, 6 compounds were selected along with a control species, propylene, for testing in the presence of nitrogen oxides in four outdoor smog chambers. Selected compounds were furan, pyrole, thiophene, methanethiol, methyl sulfide, and methyl disulfide. Multiday exposures were performed, and both static and transport conditions were simulated. Ozone and sulfur dioxide formation was examined. The behavior of the test compounds was compared to that of a surrogate urban mix.

ABSTRACT The purpose of this protocol is to give analytical and statistical procedures that may b... more ABSTRACT The purpose of this protocol is to give analytical and statistical procedures that may be used to establish National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)-traceability for gaseous calibration standards. In 1997, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, revised its 1993 version of its traceability protocol for the assay and certification of compressed gas and permeation-device calibration standards. The protocol allows producers of gaseous standards, users of gaseous standards, and other analytical laboratories to establish traceability of EPA Protocol Gases to gaseous reference standards produced by the NIST. Parts 50, 58, 60, 72, and 75 of Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) require using Standard Reference Materials (SRMs) or gaseous standards traceable to SRMs for calibrating and auditing ambient air and stationary source pollutant monitoring systems. The purposes of the 1997 revision were to revise the statistical procedures in the 1993 version, to consolidate two earlier published versions, and other improvements. This 2012 revision of the protocol has made several major and minor changes from the 1997 revision, including the statistical test that is used to determine the stability of reactive gas mixtures has been changed from Student's t-test to Schuirmann's two one-sided tests (TOST), a new procedure and an associated spreadsheet have been prepared for the assay and certification of a compressed gas zero air material as conforming to 40 CFR Part 72.2, and a new procedure and a new spreadsheet has been prepared for the assay and certification of dynamic gas dilution systems. The producers of reference standards that are assayed and certified under this protocol are allowed one year after the publication of this revision of the protocol to implement the changes that have been made to this protocol.

Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association, 2022

Concentrations of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) present in wastewater treatment bio... more Concentrations of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) present in wastewater treatment biosolids is a growing concern. Pyrolysis is a thermal treatment technology for biosolids that can produce a useful biochar product with reduced levels of PFAS and other contaminants. In August 2020, a limited-scope study investigated target PFAS removal of a commercial pyrolysis system processing biosolids with analysis of 41 target PFAS compounds in biosolids and biochar performed by two independent laboratories. The concentrations of 21 detected target compounds in the input biosolids ranged between approximately 2 µg/kg and 85 µg/kg. No PFAS compounds were detected in the biochar. The PFAS concentrations in the biochar were assumed to equal the compounds' minimum detection limits (MDLs). The pyrolysis system's target PFAS removal efficiencies (REs) were estimated to range between >81.3% and >99.9% (mean = >97.4%) with the lowest REs being associated with the lowest detected PFAS concentrations and the highest MDLs. No information on non-target PFAS compounds in influent or effluent media or products of incomplete combustion were considered. Select gaseous emissions were measured by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry to provide additional information on air emissions after process controls. This limited-scope study indicated that additional research to further understand this process is warranted. Implications StatementDevelopment of alternative approaches to manage PFAS-impacted biosolids is of emerging international importance. A commercially operating biosolids pyrolysis process was shown to lower target PFAS levels in produced biochar. Additional research is warranted to understand all potential PFAS transformation emission routes and optimal air pollution emissions control strategies for this technology class.

JAPCA, 1987

ABSTRACT Two performances audits of calibration gas mixtures were conducted by RTI in 1985 to ass... more ABSTRACT Two performances audits of calibration gas mixtures were conducted by RTI in 1985 to assess the accuracy of certified concentrations assigned by speciality gas producers. The first audit involved the purchase and analysis of EPA Protocol No. 1 gases from 11 specialty gas producers. These mixtures contained sulfur dioxide in nitrogen, nitric oxide in nitrogen, and carbon monoxide in air. Such mixtures are used for the calibration and auditing of ambient air quality analyzers and continuous emissions monitoring systems. The second audit involved the purchase and analysis of I/M calibration gases from 13 specialty gas producers. These mixtures contained carbon monoxide and propane in nitrogen. Such mixtures are used for the calibration and auditing of motor vehicle emission analyzers. This note summarizes the analytical results from these two audits.

Air & Waste, 1994

Gas dilution systems can be used for multipoint calibrations of pollutant gas analyzers and for t... more Gas dilution systems can be used for multipoint calibrations of pollutant gas analyzers and for the analysis and certification of compressed gas calibration standards. This laboratory evaluation obtained estimates of the accuracy and precision of four representative gas dilution systems. Diluted and undiluted gas mixtures containing carbon monoxide, nitric oxide or sulfur dioxide in nitrogen were sampled by pollutant gas

Journal of the Air Pollution Control Association, 1985

Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association, 1999

Research Triangle Institute and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency conducted several projec... more Research Triangle Institute and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency conducted several projects to measure hydrocarbon emissions associated with the manufacture of fiberglass-reinforced plastics. The purpose of these projects was to evaluate pollution prevention techniques to reduce emissions by altering raw materials, application equipment, and operator technique. Analytical techniques were developed to reduce the cost of these emission measurements. Emissions from a small test mold in a temporary total enclosure (TTE) correlated with emissions from full-size production molds in a separate TTE. Gravimetric mass balance measurements inside the TTE generally agreed to within ± 30 % with total hydrocarbon (THC) measurements in the TTE exhaust duct. Pure styrene evaporation tests served as quality control checks for THC measurements and generally agreed to within ± 5 %.

Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association, 1999

Pollution prevention (P2) options to reduce styrene emissions, such as new materials and applicat... more Pollution prevention (P2) options to reduce styrene emissions, such as new materials and application equipment, are commercially available to the operators of open molding processes. However, information is lacking on the emissions reduction that these options can achieve. To meet this need, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Air Pollution Prevention and Control Division, working in collaboration with Research Triangle Institute, measured styrene emissions for several of these P2 options. In addition, the emission factors calculated from these test results were compared with the existing EPA emission factors for gel coat sprayup and resin applications. Results show that styrene emissions can be reduced by up to 52% by using controlled spraying (i.e., reducing overspray), low-styrene and styrene-suppressed materials, and nonatomizing application equipment. Also, calculated emission factors were 1.6-2.5 times greater than the mid-range EPA emission factors for the corresponding gel coat and resin application. These results indicate that facilities using existing EPA emission factors to estimate emissions in open molding processes are likely to underestimate actual emissions. Facilities should investigate the applicability and feasibility of these P2 options to reduce their styrene emissions.

Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association, 1998

A portable Fourier transform infrared gas analyzer with a photoacoustic detector performed reliab... more A portable Fourier transform infrared gas analyzer with a photoacoustic detector performed reliably during pollution prevention research at two industrial facilities. It exhibited good agreement (within approximately 6%) with other analytical instruments (dispersive infrared and flame ionization) when analyte concentrations were high and relatively steady. It did not show good agreement when analyte concentrations were low (approximately 10 parts per million [ppm]) or were varying rapidly (less than 1.5 min). The precision for total acetates measurements was estimated to be approximately 40 ppm for measurements in the 0- to 700-ppm region. The precision for styrene measurements was estimated to be approximately 10 ppm for measurements in the 0- to 90-ppm region.

Advances in Environmental Research, 2003

Styrene is the monomer used as a cross-linking agent in the majority of fiber-reinforced plastics... more Styrene is the monomer used as a cross-linking agent in the majority of fiber-reinforced plastics manufacturing processes. Its evaporation is undesirable from environmental, health and safety, and economic perspectives. The TM Ž TM. effect of a proprietary Fluid Impingement Technology FIT nozzle, developed by Magnum Industries, on styrene emissions was evaluated and compared to other conventional application equipment ᎏ conventional spray Ž. TM guns and flow coaters operated at both low and high pressure. The FIT nozzle produced less styrene emissions during both gel coating and resin testing, with significant emissions reduction occurring during the application process.

Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 1992

... Aquatic photodegradation of albendazole (ABZ) and ita three major metabolites, albendazole su... more ... Aquatic photodegradation of albendazole (ABZ) and ita three major metabolites, albendazole sulfoxide (ABZSO), albendazole sulfone (ABZS03, and 2 ... Later studies were devel-oped with more emphasis on providing a quantitative framework for reaction kinetics (Zepp and Cline ...