Numerical model investigation for potential methane explosion and benzene vapor intrusion associated with high-ethanol blend releases

Environmental Science & Technology
Jie MaPedro J J Alvarez

Abstract

Ethanol-blended fuel releases usually stimulate methanogenesis in the subsurface, which could pose an explosion risk if methane accumulates in a confined space above the ground where ignitable conditions exist. Ethanol-derived methane may also increase the vapor intrusion potential of toxic fuel hydrocarbons by stimulating the depletion of oxygen by methanotrophs, and thus inhibiting aerobic biodegradation of hydrocarbon vapors. To assess these processes, a three-dimensional numerical vapor intrusion model was used to simulate the degradation, migration, and intrusion pathway of methane and benzene under different site conditions. Simulations show that methane is unlikely to build up to pose an explosion hazard (5% v/v) if diffusion is the only mass transport mechanism through the deeper vadose zone. However, if methanogenic activity near the source zone is sufficiently high to cause advective gas transport, then the methane indoor concentration may exceed the flammable threshold under simulated conditions. During subsurface migration, methane biodegradation could consume soil oxygen that would otherwise be available to support hydrocarbon degradation, and increase the vapor intrusion potential for benzene. Vapor intrusion woul...Continue Reading

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Citations

Dec 1, 2015·Journal of Hazardous Materials·Jie MaShaohui Guo
Jan 24, 2017·Environmental Science & Technology·Nicole C Soucy, Kevin G Mumford
Oct 21, 2014·Environmental Science & Technology·Iason Verginelli, Renato Baciocchi
Mar 4, 2017·Water Resources Research·Yijun YaoEric M Suuberg
Oct 21, 2014·Environmental Science & Technology·Zohre KurtJim C Spain
May 10, 2020·Environmental Science & Technology·Jie MaLin Jiang

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