Abstract
Identifying the sources of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is key issue to reducing ground-level ozone and PAN. A multivariate receptor model (Unmix) was used for the determination of the contributions of VOCs sources in Tehran-Iran. Concentrations of ambient C2–C10 VOCs were measured continuously and online at the center of Tehran city during the winter of 2012. A high correlation coefficient existed between measured and predicted values (R 2 = 0.99), indicating that the data were well modeled. Five possible VOCs source categories were identified and mobile sources such as vehicle exhaust (61 %) and fuel evaporation (12 %) more than half of the total VOC concentration. City gas and CNG sources, biogenic source, and industrial solvent source categories accounted for 17 %, 8 % and 2 % of the total VOC, respectively. Result showed Unmix for VOCs source apportionment can be used to analyze and generate air pollution control strategies and policies.
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Acknowledgments
The authors wish to thank the laboratory staff of the Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran, for their collaboration in this research.
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Sarkhosh, M., Mahvi, A.H., Yunesian, M. et al. Source Apportionment of Volatile Organic Compounds in Tehran, Iran. Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 90, 440–445 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-012-0948-5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-012-0948-5