Bio-removal of mixture of benzene,toluene,ethylbenzene,and xylenes/total petroleum hydrocarbons/trichloroethylene from contaminated water

Four pure cultures were isolated from soil samples potentially contaminated with gasoline compounds either at a construction site near a gas station in Fai Chi Kei,Macao SAR or in the northern parts of China（Beijing,and Hebei and Shandong）.The effects of different concentrations of benzene,toluene,ethylbenzene,and three isomers（ortho-,meta-,and para-） of xylene（BTEX）,total petroleum hydrocarbons（TPH）,and trichloroethylene（TCE）,when they were present in mixtures,on the bio-removal effciencies of microbial isolates were investigated,together with their interactions during the bio-removal process.When the isolates were tested for the BTEX（50-350 mg/L）/TPH（2000 mg/L） mixture,BTEoX in BTEoX/TPH mixture was shown with higher bio-removal effciencies,while BTEmX in BTEmX/TPH mixture was shown with the lowest,regardless of isolates.The TPH in BTEmX/TPH mixture,on the other hand,were generally shown with higher bio-removal effciencies compared to when TPH mixed with BTEoX and BTEpX.When these BTEX mixtures（at 350 mg/L） were present with TCE（5-50 mg/L）,the stimulatory effect of TCE toward BTEoX bio-removal was observed for BTEoX/TCE mixture,while the inhibitory effect of TCE toward BTEmX for BTEmX/TCE mixture.The bio-removal effciency for TPH was shown lower in TPH（2000 mg/L）/TCE（5-50 mg/L） mixtures compared to TPH present alone,implying the inhibitory effect of TCE toward TPH bio-removal.For the mixture of BTEX（417 mg/L）,TPH（2000 mg/L） along with TCE（5- 50 mg/L）,TCE was shown co-metabolically removed more effciently at 15 mg/L,probably utilizing BTEX and/or TPH as primary substrates.

Occupational Health Risk Assessment of Benzene,Toluene,and Xylene in Shanghai

Objective This study was designed to conduct a retrospective and systematic occupational health risk assessment(OHRA)of enterprises that used benzene,toluene,and xylene(BTX)in Shanghai,China.Methods All data for the study were obtained from 1,705 occupational health examination and evaluation reports from 2013 to 2017,and a semiquantitative model following Chinese OHRA guidelines(GBZ/T 298-2017)was applied for the assessment.Results The selected enterprises using BTX were mainly involved in manufacturing of products.Using the exposure level method,health risk levels associated with exposure to BTX were classified as medium,negligible,or low.However,the risk levels associated with benzene and toluene were significantly different according to job types,with gluers and inkers exhibiting greater health risks.For the same job type,the health risk levels assessed using the comprehensive index method were higher than those using the exposure level method.Conclusion Our OHRA reveals that workers who are exposed to BTX still face excessive health risk.Additionally,the risk level varied depending on job categories and exposure to specific chemicals.Therefore,additional control measures recommended by OHRA guidelines are essential to reduce worker exposure levels.

VAPOR-LIQUID EQUILIBRIUM FOR TERNARY MIXTURES OF BENZENE,TOLUENE,AND p-XYLENE

Vapor-liquid equilibrium composition and temperature were measured for binary andternary mixtures of benzene,toluene and p-xylene at 101.33 kPa The equilibrium cell of Boubliketal.was modified for the present study.The experimental vapor-liquid equilibrium data were corre-lated with the Wilson equation.

Adsorption-Desorption of BTX (Benzene, Toluene and O-xylene) on Fe, Fe-Al Pillared Clay

The studies are conducted in laboratory to determine the adsorption-desorption behavior of BTX (benzene, toluene and o-xylene) in gas phase on Fe, Fe-Al pillared clays adsorbents. In experimental conditions of constant atmospheric pressure, initial concentrations with an increasing volume (0.5 - 2 ml) injected benzene (2.25), toluene (1.89) and o-xylene (1.66) μmol/L at T (40℃, 60℃ and 80℃), and the adsorption increases with increase of temperature, indicating that the adsorption process would be a chemical adsorption rather than physical one. The results are shown that the BTX adsorption data fitted very well (R2 > 0.999) to the both equations Langmuire and Elovitch for the three samples: bentonite (B), Fe-bentonite () and Fe-Al/bentonite (). At 80℃, the BTX adsorption capacity increased in the following order: . The maximum adsorption capacity () at 80℃ is 175.13, 171.84 and 171.81 μg/g respectively for benzene, toluene and o-xylene for;the last is a good adsorbent of BTX removal. The benzene diffuses faster than toluene and o-xylene. Thermodynamic parameters, such as ,and are also discussed and the results suggested that the BTX adsorption on all samples used is a spontaneous and endothermic process. Desorption studies show that BTX is very easily desorbed with .

Optimizing support acidity of NiMo catalysts for increasing the yield of benzene, toluene and xylene in tetralin hydrocracking

To enhance the yields of benzene,toluene,and xylene in tetralin hydrocracking,the effect of the support acid properties of NiMo catalysts on hydrocracking performance of tetralin were investigated in this study.NaY zeolites were modified by hydrothermal treatment to form USY zeolites at different temperatures and adjust the type and amount of acid.In addition,H-Beta was loaded into the USY to further adjust the acidic properties of the catalysts.The result shows that when the total B acid content of the catalyst is maintained between 150 and 200μmol·g^(-1),the total acid amount is maintained between 1.7 and 1.9 mmol·g^(-1),and the L/B(L and B acids)ratio is maintained between 1.5 and 2,the catalysts have favorable performances on tetralin hydrocracking.Under this condition,the catalysts have a yield of benzene,toluene,and xylene higher than 30 wt%and a selectivity for benzene,toluene,and xylene higher than 35%.The tetralin conversion is greater than 85 wt%.The AB6 catalyst obtains the best hydrocracking effect with the conversion of tetralin reaching 90.24 wt%,the yields of benzene,toluene,and xylene reaching 33.58 wt%,and the selectivity of benzene,toluene,and xylene reaching 37.21%,respectively.

Benzene and Toluene Levels Measured with DOAS During Vehicular Restrictions in Beijing

Measurements of atmospheric benzene and toluene were carried out continuously using dif- ferential optical absorption spectroscopy from August 7 to August 28 in Beijing during the period of vehicular restrictions. The correlations between traffic flows and totals of benzene and toluene were studied during the period of vehicular traffic restrictions from August 17 to August 20 and non-traffic restrictions on August 16 and August 21. The correlation coef- ficient was 0.8 between benzene and toluene. And the calculated daily mean value ratios of benzene to toluene were 0.43-0.50. During the period of vehicular restrictions, traffic flows were reduced about 11.8% and the levels of benzene and toluene were reduced by 11.4% and 12.8%, respectively. The vehicle emissions were recognized as the major sources for atmospheric benzene and toluene in Beijing.

Distribution Coefficient of Caprolactam and Methyl Caprolactam Using Benzene or Toluene as Extractants： Experiments and Prediction

To get high purity caprolactam is a challenging task in the chemical fiber industry. To date, reports on the prediction of the distribution of caprolactam and its derivative chemicals have been few. In this study, the extraction of caprolactam with toluene as the extractant and N-methyl caprolactam with benzene and toluene as theextractants has been camed out. By defining new UNIFAC groups and calibrating related interaction parameters, aUNIFAC method was introduced to predict the equilibrium concentration of caprolactam and methyl caprolactam intoluene or benzene extraction processes. The calculated results fit very well With the experimental data. Using theUNIFAC model, the selectivity of extractants can be predicted.

Toluene Alkylation with Methanol to p-Xylene over Heteropoly Acids Supported by Clay

The alkylation of toluene with methanol for the selective formation of p-xylene was systematically studied. Very few studies have been reported on the use of superacids such as heteropolyacids on cheap supports, such as clay. This article deals with the use of different heteropoly acids （HPAs）, viz, Dodeca-Tungstophosphoric acid [H3PO4.12WO3.xH2O] （TPA）, Dodeca-Molyhdo phosphoric acid ammonium salt hydrate [H12Mo12N3O40P＋aq] （DMAA）, Dodeca-Molyhdo Phosphoric acid （PMA） on clay （MontmoriUonite, K-10） and as such plain clay. This comparative study reveals that 20%PMA/Clay shows 62% toluene conversion and 100% selectivity toward p-xylene.

Toluene Alkylation to Selective Formation of p-Xylene over Co-Crystalline ZSM-12/ZSM-5 Catalyst

The alkylation of toluene with methanol to selective formation of p-xylene has been systematically studied. ZSM-12 （MTW）/ZSM-5 co-crystalline zeolite in 40：60 proportions have been synthesized by the same molar gel composition, but at different temperatures and periods than that of ZSM-12 and ZSM-5, separately. All the prepared samples are characterized by XRD, SEM, BET, and XRF. The activity of toluene alkylation was investigated with a mixture of toluene and methanol as a feed over the ZSM-12, ZSM-12/ZSM-5 co-crystalline, ZSM-5, and physical mixture of ZSM-12/ZSM-5. From characterization, it is observed that the ZSM-12/ZSM-5 co-crystalline material is different from that of ZSM-12, ZSM-5, and their physical mixture. Further, the ZSM-12/ZSM-5 co-crystalline zeolite produces the highest content of xylene and has better selectivity for p-xylene than ZSM-12, ZSM-5, and their physical mixture.

Toluene methylation with syngas to para‐xylene by bifunctional ZnZrO_(x)‐HZSM‐5 catalysts

Toluene methylation with methanol on H‐ZSM‐5(Z5)zeolite for the directional transformation of toluene to xylene has been industrialized.However,great challenges remain because of the high energy barrier of methanol deprotonation to the methoxy group,the side reaction of methanol to olefins,coke formation,and the deactivation of zeolites.Herein,we report the toluene methylation coupled with CO hydrogenation to showcase an enhancement in para‐xylene(PX)selectivity by employing a bifunctional catalyst composed of ZnZrO_(x)(ZZO)and modified Z5.The results showed that a PX selectivity of up to 81.8%in xylene and xylene selectivity of 64.8%in hydrocarbons at 10.3%toluene conversion can be realized over the bifunctional catalyst on a fixed‐bed reactor.The selectivity of gaseous hydrocarbons decreased to 10.9%,and approximately half of that was observed in methanol reagent route where the PX selectivity in xylene was 38.8%.We observed that the acid strength,the quantity ratio of Brönsted and Lewis acid sites,and the pore size of zeolites were essential for the PX selectivity.The investigation of the H_(2)/D_(2) kinetic isotope effect revealed that the newborn methyl group in xylene resulted from the hydrogenation of CO rather than toluene disproportionation.Furthermore,the catalyst showed no evident deactivation within the 100 h stability test.The findings offer a promising route for the production of value‐added PX with high selectivity via toluene methylation coupled with syngas conversion.

Solid-Liquid Equilibria of Musk Ketone, Musk Xylene and 1,3-Dimethyl-2,4-Dinitro-5-Tert-Butyl Benzene

The solid-liquid equilibria of musk ketone + musk xylene, musk xylene +l,3-dimethyl-2,4-dinitro-5-tert-butyl benzene are measured by differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), these systems are proved to be simple eutectics. Moreover the melting points and the fusion enthalpies of musk ketone, musk xylene and 1,3-dimethyl-2,4-dinitro-5-tert-butyl benzene are also measured by the DSC. These solid-liquid equilibrium data and the heats of fusion are reported for the first time. Then UNIFAC model is used to correlate the sofid-liquid equilibrium data. It is shown that the solid-liquid equilibria of musk systems can be predicted by the UNIFAC model.

Optimization of the reflux ratio of benzene-toluene stage distillation columns by the Cuckoo algorithm

In this study, an enthalpy-concentration method was applied in order to model a steady state continuous benzene-toluene mixture distillation column. For a distillation tower such as the benzene- toluene splitter, there are relatively few degrees of freedom that can be manipulated in order to minimize the total annualized cost. The reflux ratio can influence the steady-state operating point and therefore influence the total annualized cost. The trade-offs between reflux ratios and total annualized cost were discussed. The Cuckoo optimization algorithm was applied to obtain a correlation for the optimum value of the reflux ratio as a power function of the economic parameters of energy price and capital cost. The results show that, at low energy price or high capital cost, the optimum reflux factor is high.

Biodegradation of Benzene and Toluene under Enhanced Denitrifying Conditions

Abstract The biodegradation of benzene and toluene was studied by aquifer material microcosm experiment in laboratory under enhanced denitrifying conditions. Based on analyses and contrast of the experiment results, the following important conclusions were obtained. Microorganisms can utilize nitrate as the electron acceptor to degrade benzene and toluene under enhanced denitrifying conditions. The denitrifiers come from the aquifer material. The macro-nutrient that microorganisms need is provided by benzene, toluene and nitrate, and the trace elements come from the aquifer material. Environmental conditions have great effects on the biodegradation of benzene and toluene, and the pH values strongly inhibit the biodegradation when they are too high or too low.

Surface Modification of Commercial Activated Carbon (CAG) for the Adsorption of Benzene and Toluene

In this work, we determined the surface characteristics of natural (CA-1) and HNO3 treated (CA-2) CAG. Equilibrium, kinetics and breakthrough for adsorption of benzene and toluene by CA-1 and CA-2 were studied. Concentrations of benzene and toluene (mg/L) were determined by gas chromatography with headspace extraction. The data of adsorption kinetic and equilibrium were best fitted by pseudo-second order model and Langmuir isotherm, respectively. The best results of benzene and toluene adsorption from fixed bed were obtained at volumetric flow rate (Q1 = 70 mL/min) using adsorbent CA-2. The study of inferential statistics revealed that CA-1 and CA-2 adsorbents are statistically different at a 5% significance level.

Benzene, toluene and xylenes levels in new and used vehicles of the same model

The aim of this work was to determine the level of benzene, toluene, o-xylene and m, p-xylene （BTX） in air samples collected from the cabins of new and used vehicles of the same model. Ten new vehicles were examined in order to check interior emission from materials used to equip the passenger compartment. In order to compare and define the impact of exhaust gases, air samples were also collected from two used cars, at different mileages （up to 20,000 kin）. All vehicles tested were of the same type. Samples were collected onto Carbograph 1TD sorbent, thermally desorbed and examined with the use of gas chromatography with flame ionisation and mass spectrometry detectors. All results obtained were referred to Polish and German requirements for indoor air quality （both in public buildings and in workspace environments）. Average benzene, toluene, o-xylene and m, p-xylene concentrations in new cars were determined at the level of 11.8 μg/m^3, 82.7 μg/m^3, 21.2 μg/m^3 and 89.5 μg/m^3, respectively. In the used cars, BTX concentration increased with increasing vehicle mileage. The most significant increase of BTX concentration was observed above 11,000 km mileage.

Photocatalytic oxidation of gaseous benzene,toluene and xylene under UV and visible irradiation over Mn-doped TiO_(2)nanoparticles

The photocatalytic oxidation of gaseous benzene,toluene and xylene(BTX)over un-doped,0.1 and 1 wt%Mn-TiO_(2)nanoparticles under ultraviolet and visible irradiation was studied in atmosphere of synthetic air or inert gas.The photocatalytic decomposition efficiency and the oxidation products were determined using a Static Photochemical Reactor coupled with FTIR spectroscopy.BTX underwent efficient decomposition over Mn-TiO_(2)photocatalysts under UV irradiation,more with oxygen presence and less without oxygen.More important toluene and xylene went substantial decomposition over 0.1 mol%Mn-TiO_(2)under visible irradiation with oxygen presence.The main final oxidation products in the UV photocatalysis of BTX were CO_(2),CO and H2O,with CO_(2) and CO yields 4 and 2 respectively.The conversion percentage of benzene,toluene,and xylene to CO_(2) were 63.6%,56.4%,51.8%,and to CO 29%,26.5%,23.2%,respectively.In the visible photocatalysis of toluene and xylene the yields of CO were insignificant.Formation of carbon containing deposits on TiO_(2)surfaces was observed after extensive UV photocatalysis of toluene and xylene,and such by-products surface coverage may reduce the photocatalytic activity of TiO_(2)samples.Some aspects of the photocatalytic mechanism were examined.

Adsorption of toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene isomers on multi-walled carbon nanotubes oxidized by different concentration of NaOCI

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes （MWCNTs） were fabricated and oxidized by different concentrations of sodium hypochlorite （NaOC1） solutions. The untreated MWCNTs and modified MWCNTs were employed as adsorbents to study their characterizations and adsorption performance of toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene isomers （TEX） in an aqueous solution. The physicochemical properties of MWCNTs were greatly affected after oxidation, which influences TEX adsorption capacity. The 3% NaOCl-oxidized MWCNTs shows the greatest enhancement in TEX adsorption, followed by the 30% NaOCl. More interestingly, the 15% NaOCl-oxidized MWCNTs has lower adsorption capacities than untreated MWCNTs. The adsorption mechanism of TEX on treated MWCNTs is attributed to the combined action of hydrophobic interaction, π-π bonding interaction between the aromatic ring of TEX and the oxygen-containing functional groups of MWCNTs and electrostatic interac- tion. 3% NaOCl solution could not only introduce much oxygen-containing functional groups on MWCNTs, but also lead to less damage for the pore structure. This suggests that the CNTs-3% NaOCl is efficient adsorbent for TEX and that they may possess good potential for TEX removal in wastewater treatment.

Effect of benzene,toluene,xylene on the semen quality of exposed workers

Objective To examine the effects on semen and sperm quality of workers after a short and long term exposure to benzene, toluene, and xylene Methods The semen and blood of 24 married workers exposed to benzene, toluene, and xylene from shoemaking, spray painting, or paint manufacturing factories were collected The concentration of benzene, toluene, and xylene in the blood and semen was determined by using headspace chromatographic method Routine sperm test was carried out and acrosin activity detected Results The results showed that benzene, toluene, and xylene were found in the blood and semen of some ex workers in a working environment where the air concentration of benzene, toluene, and xylene exceeded the maximum allowable concentration (MAC) This result was not found in workers of the control group There were also some effects on the quality of semen in the exposed workers For example, the percentage of semen with liquefaction time exceeding 30 minutes increased The sperm vitality, motility and acrosin activity decreased At the same time, there were a positive correlation between liquefaction time and the level of toluene in semen, and a negative correlation between sperm vitality, sperm activity or acrosin activity and working history Conclusions The results suggested that the mixture could affect the quality of semen and sperm, which might be the main reason of the abnormal pregnancy outcome among the wives of workers exposed to benzene, toluene, and xylene Further studies are, however, required to confirm these findings

Study on the Effectiveness of Circulation Well for Remediation of Benzene and Toluene Contaminated Silt Sand Aquifer

In order to investigate the remediation effect of groundwater circulation well on benzene and toluene contaminated silt sand aquifer,a simulation remediation experiment was conducted in the laboratory using a two-dimensional simulation tank.The results showed that in the silt sand aquifer,the concentrations of benzene and toluene decreased from 179.210 mg/L and 327.520 mg/L to below the detection limit after 24 h of operation of the circulation well.The closer to the circulation well in the horizontal direction,the faster the removal efficiency of benzene and toluene.The study has shown that circulating wells have good remediation effects on both benzene-and toluene-contaminated chalk sand aquifers.

Catalytic Elimination of Oxygenated Byproducts in the Toluene Methylation Process

Catalytic methylation of toluene with methanol is an important alternative pathway for xylene production.Previous studies have indicated that methanol always undergoes several side reactions on acidic zeolites,resulting in oxygencontaining byproducts such as dimethyl ethers,ketones,and carboxylic acids.Herein,the presence and distribution of the oxygenated compounds formed during toluene methylation were firstly examined by systematic chromatographic analysis.Plausible formation mechanisms for the various oxygenates are discussed.The most problematic byproduct is found to be acetic acid,which can lead to inferior product quality and damage downstream units.A feasible solution is presented for oxygenate removal after toluene methylation,in which acetic acid is eliminated by catalytic decomposition into low-boilingpoint acetone over a MgO catalyst.This process allows for all of the low-boiling-point oxygenates,including methanol,dimethyl ether,acetone,and butanone,to be removed from the aromatics phase,taking advantage of the temperature of the reaction effluent and standard distillation equipment.X-ray diffraction was used to characterize the crystal phase of the fresh and used MgO decarbonylation catalysts,while thermogravimetry/mass spectrometry and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy were applied to investigate the transformation mechanism of acetic acid over the decarbonylation catalyst.CO insertion and ketonization of acetic acid accounted for the formation and elimination of acetic acid,respectively.The combined methylation/decarbonylation process should enable the production of high-quality xylenes,an important industrial feedstock,by overcoming the main technical obstacles associated with the toluene methylation process.