Determination of Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds in Asphalt and in Corresponding Leachate Water

• Published in: Polycyclic aromatic compounds Vol. 22; no. 3-4; pp. 517 - 535
• Main Authors: Kriech, A J, Kurek, J T, Osborn, LV, Wissel, H L, Sweeney, B J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.07.2002
• Subjects: Aromatic compounds; Asphalt; Emergencies; Highways; Inclusions; Paving; Roofing; Toxicity
• ISSN: 1040-6638; 1563-5333
• DOI: 10.1080/10406630213561

The environmental impact of polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) in asphalt (bitumen) materials is related to their availability for environmental transport and biouptake, rather than their total concentrations. This study examines six Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP) paving asphalts and four commercial roofing asphalts. Three cleanup procedures for the neat asphalt samples are evaluated. This study reports on analyses for 29 PACs, including the EPA 16 priority pollutant PAHs and additional Persistent Bioaccumulative Toxins. These require reporting by the U.S. EPA under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) section 313. The analytical protocol for analysis of the higher molecular weight PACs by GC/MS is reported, with inclusion of GC/MS/MS verification of some of the detectable compounds. Additionally, each asphalt was taken through a toxicity characteristic leaching procedure following U.S. EPA method SW846-1311. Results of the paving and roofing asphalts and their corresponding leachate waters are presented in this study.