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Emissions and health risk assessment of process-based volatile organic compounds of a representative petrochemical enterprise in East China

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Abstract

Emission control of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from industrial sources is a frontline defense against air pollution in China. Owing to the complexity of chemical processing technologies and reaction mechanisms of VOCs, it is extremely difficult to pinpoint specific emission sources in a large-scale industrial region due to the synergy of various chemical processes. In this research, a comprehensive on-site emission profile of a representative petrochemical industrial park in East China is set up with measurements conducted using photochemical assessment monitoring stations (PAMSs) and the TO-15 method as per the United States Environmental Protection Agency. This is followed by a quantitative ozone formation potential (OFP) analysis, toxification analysis, and an on-site health risk assessment, covering each of 18 major facilities’ three sections: the refinery, chemical manufacturing zone, and wastewater treatment zone. The number of facilities and detected species studied in this research exceeds that of a former similar study. This study shows that the majority of VOC emissions from those enterprises possessing the largest impact on the environment are hydrocarbons: alkanes, olefin (alkenes, alkynes), and aromatics (91% in total). Aromatics and olefins show the maximum contribution to OFP, which is consistent with the results of similar studies. VOCs, such as 1,3-butadiene, from refineries are key factors leading to long-term health impacts, with aromatics being a leading carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic factor.

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Funding

This study was partially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant Nos. 21777026, 21976031, and 41775113.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China

    Song Gao, Shanshan Wang & Bin Zhou

  2. Shanghai Environmental Monitoring Center, National Environmental Protection Shanghai Dianshan Lake Science Observatory Research Station, Shanghai, 200235, China

    Song Gao, Shijian Wu, Huxiong Cui & Qingyan Fu

  3. Shanghai Institute of Measurement Test Technology, Shanghai, China

    Zitong Zhang

  4. Shanghai Chemical Environmental Protection Monitoring Station, Shanghai, China

    Qiaomin Wang

  5. School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China

    Yiran Ma & Shuwei Zhang

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  1. Song Gao
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  2. Zitong Zhang
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  3. Qiaomin Wang
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  4. Yiran Ma
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  5. Shijian Wu
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  10. Bin Zhou
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Correspondence to Shanshan Wang or Bin Zhou.

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Gao, S., Zhang, Z., Wang, Q. et al. Emissions and health risk assessment of process-based volatile organic compounds of a representative petrochemical enterprise in East China. Air Qual Atmos Health 15, 1095–1109 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11869-021-01117-4

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