Type of Document	Master's Thesis
Author	Kice, Sean Jason
Author's Email Address	skice2@lsu.edu
URN	etd-07112005-221802
Title	Identifying Asphalt Construction as a Point Source Emitter of Volatile Organic Compounds near the Louisiana State University Ozone Monitoring Station
Degree	Master of Science (M.S.)
Department	Environmental Studies
Advisory Committee	Advisor Name Title Edward B. Overton Committee Chair Ralph Portier Committee Member Vincent L. Wilson Committee Member
Keywords	ozone gas chromatograph VOCs asphalt
Date of Defense	2005-07-07
Availability	unrestricted
Abstract The EPA has classified Baton Rouge as a non-attainment area for ozone pollution for many years. Since then Photochemical Assessment Monitoring Stations (PAMS) and other ozone monitoring stations around the metropolitan area have monitored for ozone, NOx, and more than 50 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which are considered precursors to ozone pollution. Traditionally, automobile engines and industrial plants and refineries have been blamed as major point sources for VOC emissions and the ozone pollution they cause. This research focuses on another possible point source for failing ozone levels at one of the ozone monitoring stations located on the campus of Louisiana State University. Gas Chromatograph and Mass Spectrometer analyses of newly poured asphalt surfaces near the monitoring station revealed a silicone “marker” compound that can be used to trace highly reactive VOCs that react almost instantly when exposed to sunlight. This marker and several species of alkenes boil out of new asphalt when heated to construction temperatures and in harsh environmental conditions. Enough of these chemicals are released to perhaps significantly effect the production of ozone in the lower atmosphere.
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