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Ethylene glycol emissions from on-road vehicles
Ezra C Wood1, W Berk Knighton2, Ed C Fortner3
1†Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States.
Environmental Science & Technology
|February 21, 2015
Summary
Ethylene glycol (EG), an engine coolant, was detected in tunnel air, potentially interfering with acetaldehyde measurements. Malfunctioning vehicles may cause high EG spikes, impacting air quality and aerosol formation.
Area of Science:
- Atmospheric Chemistry
- Environmental Science
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Ethylene glycol (EG) is a common engine coolant and an intermediate volatility organic compound (IVOC).
- EG has a high Henry's law coefficient, indicating potential for atmospheric presence.
- Proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry (PTR-MS) is a common tool for detecting volatile organic compounds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure ethylene glycol (EG) vapor concentrations in vehicle tunnel air.
- To investigate potential interference of EG with acetaldehyde measurements using PTR-MS.
- To assess the significance of EG emissions from vehicles.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a proton transfer reaction mass spectrometer (PTR-MS) for real-time measurements.
- Collected air samples in the Caldecott Tunnel, California.
- Analyzed data for EG detection at mass-to-charge ratio 45.
Main Results:
- Ethylene glycol (EG) was detected at m/z 45, a signal often attributed to acetaldehyde.
- Infrequent, high concentration events of EG were observed in the Caldecott Tunnel, likely from coolant leaks.
- Previous urban PTR-MS studies might have overestimated acetaldehyde due to EG interference.
Conclusions:
- Ethylene glycol (EG) presence in tunnel air can interfere with acetaldehyde measurements.
- Vehicle coolant system issues can lead to episodic EG emissions.
- EG emissions may contribute to secondary organic aerosol formation, impacting air quality.
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