Abstract
The characteristics of benzene emissions to the atmosphere from two types of soil (sand and Andosol) were investigated using a flux chamber (30.0 × 17.5 × 29.0 cm). Soil was placed in the chamber and air was then flushed through the headspace. The benzene emissions to the atmosphere were estimated under various conditions by measuring the benzene concentrations in the headspace. The results indicated that the benzene emission rates from both soil types decreased with increasing soil moisture content. The emission rate was also affected by the benzene content of the soil. The emission rates from both soils could be described using the benzene dissolution from soil as measured by a water leaching test. The effect of changing the air flow rate from 3.8 to 11.4 hr-1 through the headspace for sand was clarified, with increased air flow rates resulting in increases in the benzene emission rate. The effect of temperature changes from 20 to 40°C for Andosol was also determined with increased temperature resulting in increases in the benzene emission rate.
