Environmental impacts and emission profiles of volatile organic compounds from petroleum refineries

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Title: Environmental impacts and emission profiles of volatile organic compounds from petroleum refineries
Authors: Kanisorn Jindamanee, Jutarat Keawboonchu, Nattaporn Pinthong, Aronrag Meeyai, Puchong Inchai, Sarawut Thepanondh
Source: Scientific Reports, Vol 15, Iss 1, Pp 1-10 (2025)
Publisher Information: Nature Portfolio, 2025.
Publication Year: 2025
Collection: LCC:Medicine
LCC:Science
Subject Terms: AERMOD, Air pollution, Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), Spatial dispersion, Petroleum refinery, Secondary organic aerosol (SOA), Medicine, Science
Description: Abstract This study evaluates the emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from petroleum refinery operations, focusing on quantifying the VOCs emission inventory, analyzing their spatial distribution, and assessing their environmental impacts. Emission measurements identified storage tanks as the primary source of VOCs, with pentane, cyclopentane, and cyclohexane being the dominant species. The total VOCs emissions were estimated at 1132.1 tons per year. Spatial dispersion modeling revealed that storage tanks contributed significantly to VOCs concentrations at receptor sites, accounting for 64.5–88.1% of the total VOCs emissions, followed by contributions from the wastewater treatment unit and marketing terminal. Ambient VOCs concentrations were then used to calculate secondary organic aerosol (SOA) levels, with toluene identified as the primary contributor to SOA formation in the surrounding environment. This study underscores the critical importance of targeting VOCs emissions, particularly from storage tanks, as a strategy to mitigate both VOCs and SOA concentrations. The findings highlight the potential for improved management and control strategies to reduce the environmental and public health risks associated with these emissions.
Document Type: article
File Description: electronic resource
Language: English
ISSN: 2045-2322
Relation: https://doaj.org/toc/2045-2322
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-99932-7
Access URL: https://doaj.org/article/f4c6ea4d27fe4082af4fc61f61d35974
Accession Number: edsdoj.f4c6ea4d27fe4082af4fc61f61d35974
Database: Directory of Open Access Journals
Description
Abstract:Abstract This study evaluates the emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from petroleum refinery operations, focusing on quantifying the VOCs emission inventory, analyzing their spatial distribution, and assessing their environmental impacts. Emission measurements identified storage tanks as the primary source of VOCs, with pentane, cyclopentane, and cyclohexane being the dominant species. The total VOCs emissions were estimated at 1132.1 tons per year. Spatial dispersion modeling revealed that storage tanks contributed significantly to VOCs concentrations at receptor sites, accounting for 64.5–88.1% of the total VOCs emissions, followed by contributions from the wastewater treatment unit and marketing terminal. Ambient VOCs concentrations were then used to calculate secondary organic aerosol (SOA) levels, with toluene identified as the primary contributor to SOA formation in the surrounding environment. This study underscores the critical importance of targeting VOCs emissions, particularly from storage tanks, as a strategy to mitigate both VOCs and SOA concentrations. The findings highlight the potential for improved management and control strategies to reduce the environmental and public health risks associated with these emissions.
ISSN:20452322
DOI:10.1038/s41598-025-99932-7