Methodologies for the analysis of petroleum hydrocarbons extracted from contaminated soils

Buddhadasa, Saman (2002) Methodologies for the analysis of petroleum hydrocarbons extracted from contaminated soils. PhD thesis, Victoria University of Technology.

Abstract

Australian research into TPH and BTEX test methods has, to date, not been coordinated and no standard methods have been agreed to. Overseas research also lacks acceptable solutions for the standardisation of TPH and BTEX methodologies. Since Australia carries out many thousands of analyses of TPH and BTEX on contaminated soils annually research into and assessment of current methods is required to demonsfrate the effects on outcomes of method choice. In the Australian context the problem of developing standard methods for the analysis of hydrocarbon contamination of soil, and establishing a more scientific basis for commercial operations has been addressed in this thesis. In particular, problems associated with establishing TPH and BTEX analysis have been critically examined with a view to exposing shortcomings and suggesting possible solutions. The study includes an assessment of the relationship between measurements in the field and in the laboratory for TPH (C6-C9) and BTEX; an area where there are known to be frequent disagreements. This study confirms this problem and aims to educate practitioners of the limitations of field measurement.

Item type Thesis (PhD thesis)
URI https://vuir.vu.edu.au/id/eprint/15575
Subjects Historical > FOR Classification > 0503 Soil Sciences
Historical > FOR Classification > 0907 Environmental Engineering
Historical > Faculty/School/Research Centre/Department > School of Engineering and Science
Keywords Oil pollution, soils, petroleum, soil pollution, hydrocarbons, contaminated soils, TPH analysis, BTEX analysis
Download/View statistics View download statistics for this item

Search Google Scholar

Repository staff login