Author

Joana Idakwo

Document Type

Thesis

Date of Award

5-2009

School/College

College of Science, Engineering, and Technology (COSET)

Degree Name

MS in Environmental Toxicology

First Advisor

Professor Robert Ford

Abstract

With an increasing focus on environmental issues, a concentration on petrochemicals and their importance in commerce along with the role they play towards the issues affecting the ecosystem is a dominant topic of debate. One major product of crude oil is petroleum, which continues to play an important role in the social, economic, and political history of the United States and the world. Petroleum is a very complex mixture of many hydrocarbons. There are varieties of petroleum products, each of which has its own unique mix of molecules, which delineate its physical and chemical properties. Houston happens to be one of the top cities in the United States with the worst air quality. Major sources of air pollution are attributed to emissions given off because of human actions ranging from industrial activities to on road mobile emissions. The main goal of this project was to provide scientific reasoning for the proof that alternative fuel sources will ensure a safer and more secure environment.

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