Ambient levels and health risk assessment of BTEX and inorganic pollutants in the vicinity of mega-industrial area, Iran

Authors

  • Ahmad Tarassoli Department of Environment, Faculty of Natural Resources and Marine Science, Tarbiat Modares University, Imam Reza Street, Noor, Mazandaran, Iran
  • Abbas Esmaili Sari Department of Environment, Faculty of Natural Resources and Marine Science, Tarbiat Modares University, Imam Reza Street, Noor, Mazandaran, Iran
  • Nader Bahramifar Department of Environment, Faculty of Natural Resources and Marine Science, Tarbiat Modares University, Imam Reza Street, Noor, Mazandaran, Iran

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14570543

Keywords:

BTEX, spatial mapping, seasonal distribution, lifetime cancer risk, South Pars

Abstract

BTEX, SO2, NO2 and GLO are important components in the ambient air that have the potential to increase population health risks. In this study, active sampling was applied for BTEX based on NIOSH manual of analytical method 1501 and SO2, NO2 and GLO concentrations were monitored using an ambient analyzer during the period April to September 2017 at three areas in the vicinity of gas refineries and petrochemical's complexes located in southern Iran. The average values of SO2 and NO2 concentrations in the ASP area (near the industrial zone) varied from 97.2 to 128.1 μg m-3  in the evening hours and from 50.2 to 62.3 μg m-3 in the morning hours respectively. The lowest concentration of NO2 was observed during afternoon hours when GLO showed a peak. The maximum pikes of GLO concentration were observed at 13:00 PM with 249.3 μg m−3. For BTEX, the greatest average concentration was observed in the ASP area with 12.7 μg m−3 in July month. The HQ for all pollutants was <1.0 at three areas. The lifetime cancer risk of benzene obtained for >12 years (adult) who living in the ASP area is higher than the limits recommended by USEPA. Sensitivity analysis show that benzene and ethylbenzene concentrations and body weight have greater impact on the health risk assessment.

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Published

2024-10-05

How to Cite

Tarassoli, A. ., Esmaili Sari, A., & Bahramifar, N. . (2024). Ambient levels and health risk assessment of BTEX and inorganic pollutants in the vicinity of mega-industrial area, Iran. Journal of Wildlife and Biodiversity, 9(1), 17–40. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14570543

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Vol. 9 No. 1 (2025): Journal of Wildlife and Biodiversity

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Original Article

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