ABSTRACT
n-Pentane is a highly volatile constituent in the paraffin fraction of crude oil and natural gas. n-Pentane is released to the environment via the manufacture, use and disposal of many products associated with the petroleum and gasoline industries. Extensive data show release of n-pentane into the environment from hazardous waste disposal sites, landfills and waste incinerators and from the combustion of gasoline and diesel fueled engines. The biodegradation of n-pentane may occur in soils; however, primarily volatilization and to some extent adsorption are expected to be far more important fate processes. Experimental data showed that 12.9% of the n-pentane fraction in a dark chamber reacted with NO3 to form the corresponding alkyl nitrate, suggesting nighttime reactions with nitrate radicals may contribute to the atmospheric transformation of n-pentane, especially in urban environments. n-Pentane was identified as a stack emission from waste incinerators.
