Evidence for Increasing Indoor Sources of 1,2-Dichloroethane Since 2004 at Two Colorado Residential Vapor Intrusion Sites

Groundwater contamination associated with two former industrial facilities in Denver, Colorado, has led to concerns about vapor intrusion into residences adjacent to the facilities. 1,1,1-Trichloroethane (1,1,1-TCA), 1,1-dichloroethene (1,1-DCE), and trichloroethene (TCE) are the main contaminants of concern in groundwater, with trace levels of 1,2-dichloroethane (1,2-DCA) present at one of the sites. Indoor air monitoring programs have been ongoing at these two sites since 1998 and recent results have suggested that background, indoor source, 1,2-DCA has been increasing in the frequency of detection, and median and maximum concentration over the past several years. A lines of evidence evaluation was undertaken for both sites in order to document the predominance of indoor sources of 1,2-DCA. Evidence utilized included spatial evaluation of 1,2-DCA in indoor air; comparison of 1,2-DCA concentrations in mitigated and unmitigated homes; a phone survey to evaluate the potential for smoking to contribute to indoor air 1,2-DCA levels; evaluation of mitigation system effluent data; and an evaluation of volatile organic compound (VOC) ratios in groundwater and indoor air. The results of this evaluation indicated that smoking had no demonstrable influence on measured indoor air concentrations. In addition, it appears that consumer products have had a markedly increased influence on indoor air concentrations since 2005. Data from one of the industrial facilities at one of the sites also indicated that polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and vinyl composite floor adhesive used in a building remodel in 2005 apparently generated elevated levels of indoor 1,2-DCA and vinyl chloride, which have been sustained up to the present time.     

Screening of Emerging Volatile Organic Contaminants in Shallow Groundwater in East China

In order to collect baseline information on the environmental occurrence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in groundwater in East China, shallow groundwater samples were collected from five alluvial plains in East China in 2008 to 2009. All samples were analyzed for 54 VOCs representing a wide variety of uses and origins. Sampling sites were mainly selected in the areas to be susceptible to contamination from human activities in terms of previous hydrogeological survey. The data of all samples showed a variety of different hydrogeological systems with potential sources of VOCs, with 36 of the 54 VOCs being found. The most frequently detected compounds include naphthalene (56.9%), chloroform (16.9%), 1,2‐dichloroethane (16.2%), 1,2‐dichloropropane (13.1%), and 1,2,3‐trichlorobenzene (12.3%). The concentrations of methylene chloride, 1,2‐dichloroethane, carbon tetrachloride, trichloroethene, 1,2‐dichloropropane, and tetrachloroethene exceeded the relating drinking water standards. Future work will be needed to identify those factors that are most important in determining the occurrence and concentrations of VOCs in groundwater in China.     

Emissions of 1,2-Dichloroethane from Holiday Decorations as a Source of Indoor Air Contamination

Groundwater contamination associated with an industrial facility in Utah has led to concerns about potential vapor intrusion into residences outside the facility boundary. Trichloroethylene (TCE) is the main contaminant of concern with 1,2-dichloroethane (1,2-DCA) present in some areas. An air-monitoring program implemented to detect vapor intrusion of these compounds found 1,2-DCA in homes outside areas of groundwater contamination, suggesting indoor sources in these cases. Investigative indoor air and product sampling were conducted to isolate consumer products emitting 1,2-DCA and to quantify the emission rates of identified products. The combination of room-by-room air sampling and emission measurements was successfully used to identify molded plastic holiday ornaments, having measured emission rates as high as 0.3 µg 1,2-DCA/min. Subsequent testing of seven comparable retail items found similar 1,2-DCA emissions. Screening-level calculations show that the measured emission rates of 1,2-DCA from these items can lead to indoor concentrations high enough to be of regulatory concern (0.094 to 9.4 µg/m³ based on 10^–6 to 10^–4 cancer risk levels).     

Occurrence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in Liverpool Bay, Irish Sea

Surface seawater samples were collected in the Irish Sea and Liverpool Bay area from the R.V. Prince Madog during the period of 25-31 of March 2006. VOCs were purged with nitrogen, pre-concentrated on a SPME fibre and analysed immediately on a GC-MS. Target compounds quantified were halogenated (0.2-1400 ng L(-1)), BTEXs and mono-aromatics (1.5-2900 ng L(-1)), aliphatic hydrocarbons and others (0.6-15,800 ng L(-1)). Day and night sampling was performed at a single station and suggested that factors such as sunlight and tide affect the presence of many of these compounds. Sample variability was high due to the variable weather conditions at the station. Poor correlations were found between marine phytopigments and selected VOCs. Principal component analysis (PCA) analysis showed that chlorinated compounds such as 1,2-dichloroethane, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, trichloroethene, tetrachloroethene and carbon tetrachloride, predominantly from anthropogenic sources, originated from the River Mersey. Other brominated and iodinated compounds quantified were more likely to be from biogenic sources including novel marine compounds such as 2-chloropropane, 1-bromoethane and 1-chlorobutane.     

Utility of Compound‐Specific Isotope Analysis for Vapor Intrusion Investigations

Different types of data can be collected to evaluate whether or not vapor intrusion is a concern at sites impacted with volatile organic compound (VOC) contamination in the subsurface. Typically, groundwater, soil gas, or indoor air samples are collected to determine VOC concentrations in the different media. Sample results are evaluated using a “multiple lines of evidence” approach to interpret whether vapor intrusion is occurring. Data interpretation is often not straightforward because of many complicating factors, particularly in the evaluation of indoor air. More often than not, indoor air sample results are affected by indoor or other background sources making interpretation of concentration‐based data difficult using conventional sampling approaches. In this study, we explored the practicality of compound‐specific isotope analysis (CSIA) as an additional type of evidence to distinguish between indoor sources and subsurface sources (i.e., vapor intrusion). We developed a guide for decision‐making to facilitate data interpretation and applied the guidelines at four different test buildings. To evaluate the effectiveness of the CSIA method for vapor intrusion applications, we compared the interpretation from CSIA to interpretations based on data from two different investigation approaches: conventional sampling and on‐site GC/MS analysis. Interpretations using CSIA were found to be generally consistent with the other approaches. In one case, CSIA provided the strongest line of evidence that vapor intrusion was not occurring and that a VOC source located inside the building was the source of VOCs in indoor air.     

Sewer Gas: An Indoor Air Source of PCE to Consider During Vapor Intrusion Investigations

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) is finalizing its vapor intrusion guidelines. One of the important issues related to vapor intrusion is background concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in indoor air, typically attributed to consumer products and building materials. Background concentrations can exist even in the absence of vapor intrusion and are an important consideration when conducting site assessments. In addition, the development of accurate conceptual models that depict pathways for vapor entry into buildings is important during vapor intrusion site assessments. Sewer gas, either as a contributor to background concentrations or as part of the site conceptual model, is not routinely evaluated during vapor intrusion site assessments. The research described herein identifies an instance where vapors emanating directly from a sanitary sewer pipe within a residence were determined to be a source of tetrachloroethylene (PCE) detected in indoor air. Concentrations of PCE in the bathroom range from 2.1 to 190 µg/m³ and exceed typical indoor air concentrations by orders of magnitude resulting in human health risk classified as an “Imminent Hazard” condition. The results suggest that infiltration of sewer gas resulted in PCE concentrations in indoor air that were nearly two orders of magnitude higher as compared to when infiltration of sewer gas was not known to be occurring. This previously understudied pathway whereby sewers serve as sources of PCE (and potentially other VOC) vapors is highlighted. Implications for vapor intrusion investigations are also discussed.     

Observed Spatial and Temporal Distributions of CVOCs at Colorado and New York Vapor Intrusion Sites

The vapor intrusion impacts associated with the presence of chlorinated volatile organic contaminant plumes in the ground water beneath residential areas in Colorado and New York have been the subject of extensive site investigations and structure sampling efforts. Large data sets of ground water and indoor air monitoring data collected over a decade-long monitoring program at the Redfield, Colorado, site and monthly ground water and structure monitoring data collected over a 19-month period from structures in New York State are analyzed to illustrate the temporal and spatial distributions in the concentration of volatile organic compounds that one may encounter when evaluating the potential for exposures due to vapor intrusion. The analysis of these data demonstrates that although the areal extent of structures impacted by vapor intrusion mirrors the areal extent of chlorinated volatile organic compounds in the ground water, not all structures above the plume will be impacted. It also highlights the fact that measured concentrations of volatile organic compounds in the indoor air and subslab vapor can vary considerably from month to month and season to season. Sampling results from any one location at any given point in time cannot be expected to represent the range of conditions that may exist at neighboring locations or at other times. Recognition of this variability is important when designing sampling plans and risk management programs to address the vapor intrusion pathway.     

Modeling Fate and Transport of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Inside Sewer Systems

Hazardous waste site investigations have shown that volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can be transported via sewer pipes and migrate into indoor spaces. Despite field data confirming the presence of this exposure pathway, there is lack of context-based numerical models that provide guidance to characterize and predict VOCs concentration in sewer gas at vapor intrusion sites. Particularly, this poses a challenge when assessing and mitigating risks associated with these exposure pathways. Therefore, a numerical model has been developed to simulate the concentration of VOCs in sewer gas in different stages throughout the sewer lines. The developed model considers various input parameters, including temperature, sewer liquid depth, groundwater depth, and sewer construction characteristics to incorporate local and operational conditions. The model's output is verified using field data from a sewer system constructed near a Superfund site. Moreover, a sensitivity analysis was conducted to evaluate the model's response to variation of the external input parameters. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first attempt to model VOCs concentration in sewer gas, particularly to address vapor intrusion. The developed model can be used as a numerical tool to support the development of sewer assessment guidelines, risk assessment studies, and mitigation strategies.     

Evaluation of the Johnson and Ettinger Model for Prediction of Indoor Air Quality

Screening level models are now commonly used to estimate vapor intrusion for subsurface volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Significant uncertainty is associated with processes and models and, to date, there has been only limited field-based evaluation of models for this pathway. To address these limitations, a comprehensive evaluation of the Johnson and Ettinger (J&E) model is provided through sensitivity analysis, comparisons of model-predicted to measured vapor intrusion for 11 petroleum hydrocarbon and chlorinated solvent sites, and review of radon and flux chamber studies. Significant intrusion was measured at five of 12 sites with measured vapor attenuation ratios (α_m's) (indoor air/source vapor) ranging from ∼1 × 10⁻⁶ to 1 × 10⁻⁴. Higher attenuation ratios were measured for studies using radon, inert tracers, and flux chambers; however, these ratios are conservative owing to boundary conditions and tracer properties that are different than those at most VOC-contaminated sites. Reasonable predictions were obtained using the J&E model with comparisons indicating that model-predicted vapor attenuation ratios (α_p's) were on the same order, or less than the α_m's. For several sites, the (m were approximately two orders of magnitude less than the a 's indicating that the J&E model is conservative in these cases. The model comparisons highlight the importance in using appropriate input parameters for the J&E model. The regulatory implications associated with use of the J&E model to derive screening criteria are also discussed.     

Vapor Intrusion Screening at Petroleum UST Sites

Detailed site investigations to assess potential inhalation exposure and risk to human health associated with the migration of petroleum hydrocarbon vapors from the subsurface to indoor air are frequently undertaken at leaking underground storage tank (UST) sites, yet documented occurrences of petroleum vapor intrusion are extremely rare. Additional assessments are largely driven by low screening‐level concentrations derived from vapor transport modeling that does not consider biodegradation. To address this issue, screening criteria were developed from soil‐gas measurements at hundreds of petroleum UST sites spanning a range of environmental conditions, geographic regions, and a 16‐year time period (1995 to 2011). The data were evaluated to define vertical separation (screening) distances from the source, beyond which, the potential for vapor intrusion can be considered negligible. The screening distances were derived explicitly from benzene data using specified soil‐gas screening levels of 30, 50, and 100 µg/m³ and nonparametric Kaplan‐Meier statistics. Results indicate that more than 95% of benzene concentrations in soil gas are ≤30 µg/m³ at any distance above a dissolved‐phase hydrocarbon source. Dissolved‐phase petroleum hydrocarbon sources are therefore unlikely to pose a risk for vapor intrusion unless groundwater (including capillary fringe) comes in contact with a building foundation. For light nonaqueous‐phase liquid (LNAPL) hydrocarbon sources, more than 95% of benzene concentrations in soil gas are ≤30 µg/m³ for vertical screening distances of 13 ft (4 m) or greater. The screening distances derived from this analysis are markedly different from 30 to 100 ft (10 to 30 m) vertical distances commonly found cited in regulatory guidance, even with specific allowances to account for uncertainty in the hydrocarbon source depth or location. Consideration of these screening distances in vapor intrusion guidance would help eliminate unnecessary site characterization at petroleum UST sites and allow more effective and sustainable use of limited resources.     

Improving Risk-Based Screening at Vapor Intrusion Sites in California

The attenuation factor (AF) of 0.03 recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) is increasingly being used by regulatory agencies for the development of subsurface vapor screening levels for vapor intrusion (VI). There are concerns, however, over the database used to derive the AF and the AF's applicability to building types and geographies not included in USEPA database. To derive a more technically defensible AF for subsurface vapor screening in California, a database consisting of 8415 paired indoor and subsurface vapor samples collected from 485 buildings at 36 sites in California was compiled. Filtering was applied to remove data of suspect quality that were potentially affected by background (non-VI) sources. Filtering reduced the size of the database to 788 indoor air and subsurface vapor pairs, 80% of which were trichloroethylene (TCE) measurements. An AF of 0.0008 was derived from only TCE vapor data, based on the ability of the AF to reliably identify buildings with indoor air concentrations above screening levels in 95% of cases where subsurface vapor screening levels were exceeded. The AF derived from this study demonstrated limited sensitivity to the variables typically considered important in VI characterization, which was partially attributed to relatively weak correlation of indoor air and subsurface vapor concentration data. The results of this study can be used to improve VI screening in California and other states and help focus limited resources on sites posing the greatest potential risk.     

Laboratory Comparison of Polyethylene and Dialysis Membrane Diffusion Samplers

The ability of diffusion samplers constructed from regenerated cellulose dialysis membrane and low density, lay flat polyethylene tubing to collect volatile organic compounds and inorganic ions was compared in a laboratory study. Concentrations of vinyl chloride, cis -1, 2-dichloroethene, bromochloromethane, trichloroethene, bromodichloromethane, and tetrachloroethene collected by both types of diffusion samplers reached equilibrium with the concentrations of these compounds in test solution within three days. Concentrations of bromide and iron collected by the dialysis membrane diffusion samplers reached equilibrium with the concentrations of these compounds in a test solution within three to seven days. No detectable concentrations of bromide or iron were found in polyethylene diffusion samplers even after 21 days. No measurable concentrations of aluminum, arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium, iron, mercury, manganese, nickel, and lead, or sulfide, were leached out of dialysis membrane samplers over seven days. Compared with using a gas-tight syringe to sample the diffusion sampler, clipping the bag and pouring the water sample into a sample vial resulted in only a small 6.2% average loss of volatile organic compounds. Dialysis membrane diffusion samplers offer promise for use in sampling ground water for inorganic constituents as well as volatile organic compounds.     

Estimation of Generic Subslab Attenuation Factors for Vapor Intrusion Investigations

Generic indoor air:subslab soil gas attenuation factors (SSAFs) are important for rapid screening of potential vapor intrusion risks in buildings that overlie soil and groundwater contaminated with volatile chemicals. Insufficiently conservative SSAFs can allow high‐risk sites to be prematurely excluded from further investigation. Excessively conservative SSAFs can lead to costly, time‐consuming, and often inconclusive actions at an inordinate number of low‐risk sites. This paper reviews two of the most commonly used approaches to develop SSAFs: (1) comparison of paired, indoor air and subslab soil gas data in empirical databases and (2) comparison of estimated subslab vapor entry rates and indoor air exchange rates (IAERs). Potential error associated with databases includes interference from indoor and outdoor sources, reliance on data from basements, and seasonal variability. Heterogeneity in subsurface vapor plumes combined with uncertainty regarding vapor entry points calls into question the representativeness of limited subslab data and diminishes the technical defensibility of SSAFs extracted from databases. The use of reasonably conservative vapor entry rates and IAERs offers a more technically defensible approach for the development of generic SSAF values for screening. Consideration of seasonal variability in building leakage rates, air exchange rates, and interpolated vapor entry rates allows for the development of generic SSAFs at both local and regional scales. Limitations include applicability of the default IAERs and vapor entry rates to site‐specific vapor intrusion investigations and uncertainty regarding applicability of generic SSAFs to assess potential short‐term (e.g., intraday) variability of impacts to indoor air.     

Case History of a Large-Scale Air Sparging/Soil Vapor Extraction System for Remediation of Chlorinated Volatile Organic Compounds in Ground Water

A large-scale air sparging/soil vapor extraction (AS/SVE) project constructed within coastal plain sediments in New Jersey has demonstrated substantial progress toward remediating ground water through removal of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Potential concerns identified prior to project implementation regarding hydraulic mounding, reduction in hydraulic conductivity, development of air channels, and the absence of hydraulic containment were assessed and addressed through testing and operational features incorporated into the project. At the project site, AS/SVE has successfully reduced the presence of many VOCs to undetectable levels, while reducing the concentrations of the remaining VOCs by factors of two to 500. The physical agitation caused by air sparging, and incomplete transformation from sorbed and nonaqueous phases to the vapor phase, appears to temporarily increase VOC concentrations and/or mobility of dense nonaqueous phase liquids (DN APLs) within source areas at the project site, but this is addressed in terms of subsequent removal of VOCs by properly placed downgradient treatment lines and VOCs by properly placed downgradient treatment lines and DNAPL recovery wells. This case study identifies and evaluates project-specific features and provides empirical data for potential comparison to other candidates AS/SVE sites.     

Determination of the 13C/12C Isotope Ratio of Organic Compounds for the Biological Degradation of Tetrachloroethene (PCE) and Trichloroethene (TCE)

With the method used here, it was possible to determine the isotope content of both the initial compounds and their metabolites formed due to microbial degradation. The chemical analysis showed that the dominating degradation metabolite for both PCE and TCE degradation was cis-1,2-dichloroethene (cis-1,2-DCE). Apart from this, the formation of TCE, trans-1,2-DCE, 1,1-DCE, chloroethene (VC), ethene and ethane was observed. The isotope analysis showed no measurable fractionation of stable carbon isotopes, for the microbial degradation of PCE and TCE to cis-1,2-DCE. There was a small effect for trans-1,2-DCE and a stronger one for VC as metabolite of TCE.     

Indoor Air Background Levels of Volatile Organic Compounds and Air-Phase Petroleum Hydrocarbons in Office Buildings and Schools

A background indoor air study has been completed which includes the collection of indoor air samples from office buildings and schools. The anonymous study was designed with input from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. The sampling was implemented in 2013, 2014, and 2015 and included the collection of 25 school building samples and 61 office building samples. The study generated 14,668 new indoor air background data points, with samples collected from buildings located in 26 cities in 18 states, including Arizona, California, Connecticut, Indiana, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, Utah, and Washington. Indoor air background concentrations of target compound volatile organic compounds (VOCs) ranged from less than the laboratory method reporting limit of 0.044 μg/m³ to concentrations up to 1190 μg/m³, with hydrocarbon ranges from less than the reporting method limit of 10 μg/m³ to concentrations up to 3000 μg/m³. Some VOCs were identified ubiquitously in indoor air background, and some were identified at concentrations which exceeded risk-based regulatory screening levels. These study results provide useful and updated information on indoor air background and air quality in offices and schools and can be used in future regulatory guidance update considerations, for further examination of relationships between these data and residential study data, in human health risk assessments and risk communication, and in planning future studies.     

Development of a Default Vapor Intrusion Attenuation Factor for Industrial Buildings

An investigation at a major industrial facility in the Midwestern United States provides insights regarding the amount of attenuation of sub-surface vapors occurring at industrial buildings. The buildings at the facility were ranked in terms of vapor intrusion potential and testing began in October 2016 and is ongoing. Results have been evaluated for data collected at 718 unique locations across 77 buildings. A total of 1646 sample pairs (sub-slab and indoor air) have been collected and analyzed for 65 analytes, resulting in a total of 106,990 data pairs. As many as 49 sample pairs were collected within a given building during a single sampling event and up to 11 rounds of seasonal testing have been performed at selected buildings. Seasonal variability in sub-slab soil-gas concentrations was found to be negligible. Data analysis was performed to look for data trends across the entire data set and identify inter-building comparisons. This data evaluation focused on individual volatile organic compounds (e.g., tetrachloroethylene, trichloroethylene) present in the sub-slab soil gas at concentrations exceeding 1000 μg/m³. A total of 157 building-specific attenuation coefficients (α) were evaluated. This evaluation demonstrated that large industrial buildings have a much greater attenuation than that assumed for single-family residential buildings. All attenuation coefficient values were lower than 0.03, which is the standard regulatory default for non-residential buildings. The median value was 9.3E-05 and the 95% upper confidence limit was 2.7E-04. There is some evidence of lower attenuation under wintertime conditions. The data suggests that the default attenuation factor of 0.03 over-predicts indoor air impacts at this industrial facility by at least two orders of magnitude.     

Evaluation of the Johnson and Ettinger Model for Prediction of Indoor Air Quality

Screening level models are now commonly used to estimate vapor intrusion for subsurface volatile organic compounds (VQCs). Significant uncertainty is associated with processes and models and, to date, there has been only limited field-based evaluation of models for this pathway. To address these limitations, a comprehensive evaluation of the Johnson and Ettinger (J&E) model is provided through sensitivity analysis, comparisons of model-predicted to measured vapor intrusion for 11 petroleum hydrocarbon and chlorinated solvent sites, and review of radon and flux chamber studies. Significant intrusion was measured at five of 12 sites with measured vapor attenuation ratios (α_m's) (indoor air/source vapor) ranging from ∼1 × 10⁻⁶ to 1 × 10⁻⁴. Higher attenuation ratios were measured for studies using radon, inert tracers, and flux chambers; however, these ratios are conservative owing to boundary conditions and tracer properties that are different than those at most VOC-contaminated sites. Reasonable predictions were obtained using the J&E model with comparisons indicating that model-predicted vapor attenuation ratios (α_p's) were on the same order, or less than the α_m's. For several sites, the α_m were approximately two orders of magnitude less than the α_p's indicating that the J&E model is conservative in these cases. The model comparisons highlight the importance in using appropriate input parameters for the J&E model. The regulatory implications associated with use of the J&E model to derive screening criteria are also discussed.     

Haze Research in Brunei Darussalam During the 1998 Episode

— Brunei Darussalam experienced a severe haze episode between the beginning of February and the end of April 1998 due mainly to local peat and forest fires in Brunei and in neighbouring Sabah and Sarawak. The extensive research studies of the haze carried out in Brunei are outlined together with selected results. Particulate matter (PM₁₀) was the only significant criteria pollutant and it exceeded WHO guidelines and accepted air quality standards on most days during the haze episode. Gaseous criteria pollutants (CO, SO₂, NO₂, O₃) were generally well below WHO guidelines and at these concentrations they are expected to have no significant health or environmental effects. Measurements of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) revealed the presence of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX), aldehydes, phenol, and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Personal exposure monitoring of PM₁₀ revealed significant differences in exposure patterns between different individuals depending on the location, time and activity. Data on outpatient visits showed an increase for some illnesses (e.g., acute respiratory infection) during the months of haze. No significant impacts of haze on rainwater acidity or deposition were noted. Emission factors for some volatile compounds were determined in combustion experiments in which peat was burned at temperatures typical of smouldering.     

Simulated Soil Vapor Intrusion Attenuation Factors Including Biodegradation for Petroleum Hydrocarbons

Aerobic biodegradation can contribute significantly to the attenuation of petroleum hydrocarbons vapors in the unsaturated zone; however, most regulatory guidance for assessing potential human health risks via vapor intrusion to indoor air either neglect biodegradation in developing generic screening levels or allow for only one order of magnitude additional attenuation for aerobically degradable compounds, which may be overly conservative in some cases. This paper describes results from three-dimensional numerical model simulations of vapor intrusion for petroleum hydrocarbons to assess the influence of aerobic biodegradation on the attenuation factor for a variety of source concentrations and depths for residential buildings with basements and slab-on-grade construction. The simulations conducted in this study provide a framework for understanding the degree to which bioattenuation will occur under a variety of scenarios and provide insight into site conditions that will result in significant biodegradation. This improved understanding may be used to improve the conceptual model of contaminant transport, guide field data collection and interpretation, and estimate semi-site-specific attenuation factors for combinations of source concentrations, source depth, oxygen distribution, and building characteristics where site conditions reasonably match the scenarios simulated herein.