Evaluation of Atmospheric Volatile Organic Compound Characteristics in Specific Areas in Korea Using Long-Term Monitoring Data

Abstract

This study was performed mainly to examine whether a city with a metal industrial presence presents different characteristics in ambient volatile organic compound (VOC) concentrations compared to residential (RES) and commercial/residential combined (CRC) areas of another city by using long-term monitoring data (from January 2006 to February 2009). For most target VOCs, ambient concentrations in the metal-industrialized city were lower than for the RES and CRC areas. Aromatic compounds were the predominant VOC groups for the metal industry city as well as for other land uses. The ambient concentrations of aromatic VOCs were higher in the winter and spring seasons than in the summer and fall seasons, whereas those of chlorinated VOCs did not show any distinctive variations. In addition, higher concentrations were observed during daytime hours. The correlations between the ambient target compounds were statistically significant, except for the correlation between benzene and ozone.

Temporal Characteristics of Volatile Organic Compounds in Newly-Constructed Residential Buildings: Concentration and Source

“…This assertion is supported by the finding that the indoor concentrations of those halogenated VOCs were similar to the outdoor concentrations, suggesting that the indoor concentrations resulted from penetration of outdoor compounds. Outdoor halogenated VOCs primarily result from industrial processes such as petroleum refinery, storage and transportation, water and waste water treatment plants, municipal solid waste storage, and commercial which are used as solvents and degreasing agents [24][25][26][27][28][29]. In particular, chloroform is generated during the water-disinfection processes and emitted to the ambient air from drinking-or waste-water treatment plants [25].…”

Environmental Engineering Research in June 2012

“…They also reported that phosphorus removal was not high enough in this method. Jo et al[9] evaluated the atmospheric volatile organic compound characteristics in Pohang, Korea, where metal industry is strong. Kwon and Jeon [10] contributed short communications where they reported desorption characteristics for previously adsorbed indium ions on phosphorylated sawdust by various chemical reagents such as HCl, HNO 3 , NaCl, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, and nitrilotriacetic acid.…”