Spatial and temporal variations in atmospheric VOCs, NO2, SO2, and O-3 concentrations at a heavily industrialized region in Western Turkey, and assessment of the carcinogenic risk levels of benzene

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CİVAN M., ELBİR T., Seyfioglu R., Kuntasal Ö., BAYRAM A., DOĞAN G., ...More

ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT, vol.103, pp.102-113, 2015 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 103
  • Publication Date: 2015
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.atmosenv.2014.12.031
  • Journal Name: ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.102-113
  • Keywords: Volatile organic compounds, Inorganic pollutants, PMF, Passive sampling, Carcinogenic risk, Spatial and temporal distribution, VOLATILE ORGANIC-COMPOUNDS, HAZARDOUS AIR-POLLUTANTS, SOURCE APPORTIONMENT, PARTICULATE MATTER, URBAN ATMOSPHERE, RECEPTOR MODELS, HYDROCARBONS, EMISSIONS, EXPOSURE, DELHI
  • Middle East Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Ambient concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2) and ground-level ozone (O-3) were measured at 55 locations around a densely populated industrial zone, hosting a petrochemical complex (Petkim), a petroleum refinery (Tupras), ship-dismantling facilities, several iron and steel plants, and a gas-fired power plant. Five passive sampling campaigns were performed covering summer and winter seasons of 2005 and 2007. Elevated concentrations of VOCs, NO2 and SO2 around the refinery, petrochemical complex and roads indicated that industrial activities and vehicular emissions are the main sources of these pollutants in the region. Ozone concentrations were low at the industrial zone and settlement areas, but high in rural stations downwind from these sources due to NO distillation. The United States Environmental Protection Agency's positive matrix factorization receptor model (EPA PMF) was employed to apportion ambient concentrations of VOCs into six factors, which were associated with emissions sources. Traffic was found to be highest contributor to measured Sigma VOCs concentrations, followed by the Petkim and Tupras.