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Tuesday, April 16, 2019

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Posted: Tuesday, April 16, 2019

Chemistry-Physics 2019 Departmental Seminar Series: 'BTEX and PAH’s to the Environment' - April 18

Please join the Chemistry and Physics departments for the seminar "BTEX and PAH’s to the Environment," presented Kate-Lynn Nowak, graduate student in the forensic science program at Buffalo State, on Thursday, April 18, from 12:15 to 1:30 p.m. in Science and Mathematics Complex 173.

BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene) is a grouping of structurally similar volatile organic compounds including benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, and the three xylene isomers. These compounds are known pollutants and are typically found near petroleum production and storage sites. BTEX are regulated toxic compounds while benzene is also an EPA target carcinogen.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), a group of compounds consisting of more than one benzene ring, are found in fossil fuels, tar, and various oils, and are also formed by the incomplete combustion of carbon-containing compounds such as wood, coal, and diesel. BTEX and PAHs can both be measured in real time, with high-resolution techniques such as gas chromatograph mass spectrometer instruments (GC-MS).

Land filling is the most popular method of waste disposal and has been widely applied globally. BTEX is a major group of pollutants in landfills, which have now become a cause for concern worldwide because of their toxic properties. When an oil spill occurs, many elements of the environment may be affected. Oil spills can not only severely affect marine and plant life but can also affect human health with the emission of toxins into the air, such at PAHs. Two studies will be reviewed to determine the effect landfills and oil spills have on the environment.

Submitted by: Sujit Suwal
Also appeared:
Wednesday, April 17, 2019
Thursday, April 18, 2019
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