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Access Type
WSU Access
Date of Award
January 2023
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Department
Civil and Environmental Engineering
First Advisor
Carol J. Miller
Abstract
This dissertation addressed the mobility of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the subsurface urban environment. The process of urbanization is known to concentrate subsurface pollutants in highly populated areas, leading to community vulnerability from environmental pollutants. An understanding of the chemical pathways and anthropogenic influences on the subsurface transport of environmental pollutants is a central focus of this research. The presence and transport of urban subsurface VOCs was the focus of the study, building upon the established science. The research conducted for this study examined urban subsurface VOC contamination from multiple perspectives that included geospatial analysis, field and laboratory work, and numerical modeling. Urban specific clustering of subsurface VOC sources was identified in historically urbanized areas. Fieldwork produced concentration differences among sampled media with VOCs of concern found in all vegetative samples. Substantial transport was noted through evapotranspiration and soil vapor in the greenhouse study. In addition, urban influences in the numerical model increased the attenuation factor of the vapor intrusion pathway. The utility of geospatial models, screening tools, and modeling are reviewed for assessing the impact of VOCs in a shared urban environment. The use of conceptual site models in urban centers offers insight into specific urban vadose zone influences on VOC movement. The results also present urban planners and concerned residents in urban neighborhoods with information for addressing environmental concerns.
Recommended Citation
O'leary, Brendan Francis, "Evaluating Volatile Organic Compound Exposure Pathways In Urban Landscapes Detroit, Mi" (2023). Wayne State University Dissertations. 3838.
https://digitalcommons.wayne.edu/oa_dissertations/3838