Sources of Formaldehyde in Bountiful, Utah

Ryan Thalman,
Snow College

"Starting in 2013, the mean concentration of HCHO measured in Bountiful, UT exceeded the non-cancer risk threshold and the 1 in 1 million cancer risk threshold. In addition, the measured concentrations were more than double those found at surrounding locations in Utah. A Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) analysis using PMF-EPA v5 was done using historical data (2004-2017) to better understand the sources of formaldehyde in the region. The historical data set is composed of samples that were collected every sixth day on a 24-hour basis. Beginning in February 2019 an eight-week air sampling campaign measuring formaldehyde on a two-hour averaged basis was initiated. Formaldehyde was measured using a Broadband Cavity Enhanced Absorption Spectrometer (BBCEAS). In addition, the concentrations of NO, NO2, and O3 were measured. Two-hour averaged measurements of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX) measurable by gas chromatography-flame ionization detection were also done. Corresponding back wind trajectory calculations for selected time periods were calculated to aid in the understanding of the effects of BTEX emission sources and formaldehyde formation.

I will also discuss career options related to teaching and research at Junior and Community Colleges."

Please note that seminar starts at 12:40. Contact anne.handschy@colorado.edu for Zoom link.