Cumene Contamination in Groundwater: Observed Concentrations, Evaluation of Remediation by Sulfate Enhanced Bioremediation (SEB), and Public Health Issues

Abstract

Isopropylbenzene (cumene) is commonly encountered in groundwater at petroleum release sites due to its natural occurrence in crude oil and historical use as a fuel additive. The cumene concentrations detected at these sites often exceed regulatory guidelines or standards for states with stringent groundwater regulations. Recent laboratory analytical data collected at historical petroleum underground storage tank (UST) release sites have revealed that cumene persists at concentrations exceeding the default cleanup criterion, while other common petroleum constituents are below detection limits or low enough to allow natural attenuation as a remediation strategy. This effectively makes cumene the driver for active remediation at some sites. An insignificant amount of research has been conducted for the in-situ remediation of cumene. Sulfate Enhanced Biodegradation (SEB) is evaluated in a field case study. The results from the field case study show an approximate 92% decrease in plume area following three rounds of SEB injections. An additional objective of this research was to determine the cumene concentration in fuels currently being used to determine future impacts. A review of safety data sheets from several fuel suppliers revealed that cumene concentrations in gasoline are reported typically as wide ranges due to the proprietary formulations. Several fuels from different suppliers were analyzed to determine a baseline of cumene concentration in modern fuels. The results of the analysis indicated that cumene accounts for approximately 0.01% (diesel) to 0.13% (premium gasoline) of the overall fuel composition. Cumene generally is considered to be of low human health toxicity, with the principal concern being eye, skin, and respiratory irritation following inhalation of vapors in an occupational setting, but it has been regulated in Florida at very low concentrations based on organoleptic considerations.

Switchable hydrophilicity solvent-based hollow fibre liquid-liquid microextraction – headspace gas chromatography for determination of benzene and its derivatives in water samples

“…For most of the examined analytes, the maximum acceptable concentrations in drinking water vary depending on the country and organisation but are not lower than 100 µg/l, except for benzene (5 µg/l) [12] and cumene (8 µg/l) [13].…”

Investigate past polluting activities on public health and land uses

“…This is because movement is minimized in freshwater environments and pollutants linked to oil can remain for a long period, interact with sediments and plants, and pollute the entire ecosystem (Arockiaraj & Kankara, 2019 Studies found oil-related pollutants beyond the maximum contaminant levels recommended by international organizations in water samples where no oil activities could be found within a 10 km perimeter in active oil regions (Ejike et al, 2017). The persistence of some toxic elements of petroleum in the soil at historical petroleum sites reveals again the lasting threat that such activities can pose on populations (Herman et al, 2020). The presence and accumulation of hydrocarbon components can lead to neurological and carcinogenic issues (Borowik et al, 2019), as well as liver, blood, kidney, and weight problems (Hartley & Englande, 1992).…”

Vapor–Liquid Equilibrium for the Binary Systems Involving Cumene, t-Butylbenzene, and sec-Butylbenzene at 101.3 kPa

“…Alkylbenzene has been widely used as a raw material in the synthesis of important chemicals such as phenol, acetone, and some fuel additives . It appears as a byproduct containing cumene, t -butylbenzene, and sec -butylbenzene in the oil refining process. − Due to the difficulties in separating alkylbenzene with a similar structure, it is often taken as a mixture and used for the preparation of pitch with low value. − It is economical and environmentally friendly to find a feasible separation method for the mixture of cumene, t -butylbenzene, and sec -butylbenzene. − …”