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Characterization, source apportionment, and assessment of volatile organic compounds in a typical urban area of southern Xinjiang, China

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Abstract

Previous studies on the characteristics, reactivity, and source distribution of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) mainly focused on large cities, while information regarding the source characteristics of VOCs in underdeveloped areas remains insufficient. Therefore, this study explored the concentration characteristics, source apportionment, and multiple effect pollution assessment of 106 VOCs observed from November 2019 to October 2020 in urban Tumushuke. Tumushuke is located in western China and is a representative city of southern Xinjiang. The results showed that the average VOCs concentration was 93.49 μg/m3. Alkanes (40.84 μg/m3) accounted for the largest proportion, followed by oxygen-containing compounds (21.06 μg/m3), halohydrocarbons (16.41 μg/m3), arenes (10.14 μg/m3), alkenes (3.51 μg/m3), and acetylene (1.52 μg/m3). Five main sources were identified based on the positive matrix factorization (PMF) model results: coal/biomass combustion (30.89%), transportation (26.06%), volatile solvents and fuels (18.43%), industry (12.76%), and plant emissions (11.86%). Alkanes, arenes, and alkenes exhibited the highest O3 formation potential, accounting for 40.60%, 26.14%, and 17.65%, respectively. Secondary organic aerosol formation was dominated by arenes, with the contribution rate reaching 96.67%. Halohydrocarbons and arenes significantly contributed to the toxic effects on the environment, accounting for 43.64% and 27.97%, respectively. Based on the multi-effect assessment, arenes and alkanes made the greatest contribution to the overall environmental impact, accounting for 54.72% and 20.10%, respectively. This study provides evidence to support local governments in formulating VOC control strategies in the future.

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Fig. 1
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Source profiles derived from the PMF results

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Data availability

Some basic data, models, and code generated or used during the study appear in the submitted article. The rest date will be made available on reasonable request.

Abbreviations

VOCs:

Volatile organic compounds

PMF:

Positive matrix fractionization

PAN:

Peroxyacetyl nitrate

SOAs:

Secondary organic aerosols

GC–MS/FID:

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometer-flame ionization detector

MDLs:

Method detection limits

BDL:

Below detection limit

OFP:

Ozone formation potential

SOAFP:

Secondary organic aerosol formation potential

ETE:

Environmental toxic effects

T/B:

Toluene/benzene ratio

MIR:

Maximum ozone reaction activity

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Funding

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [grant number 21866029]; Young and Middle-aged Science and Technology Innovation Leading Talent Project of the Eighth Division [grant number 2020RC05]; “Strong youth” Key Talents of Scientific and Technological Innovation of Xinjiang Construction Crops [grant number 2021CB04].

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering/Key Laboratory of Environmental Monitoring and Pollutant Control of Xinjiang Bingtuan, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832003, China

    Xin Liu, Jianjiang Lu, Weijun Li, Zilong Liu, Yanbin Tong, Hao Chen, Junda Yu & YanZhou Ding

Authors
  1. Xin Liu
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  2. Jianjiang Lu
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  3. Weijun Li
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  4. Zilong Liu
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  5. Yanbin Tong
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  6. Hao Chen
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  7. Junda Yu
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  8. YanZhou Ding
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Correspondence to Jianjiang Lu or Weijun Li.

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Highlights

The current status of VOCs in southern Xinjiang.

VOCs based on multi-dimensional evaluation.

Arenes provided the greatest contributions to the comprehensive environmental impact.

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Liu, X., Lu, J., Li, W. et al. Characterization, source apportionment, and assessment of volatile organic compounds in a typical urban area of southern Xinjiang, China. Air Qual Atmos Health 15, 785–797 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11869-021-01133-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11869-021-01133-4

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