Abstract
Different aspects of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are being investigated in details by different research groups in Indian institutes. The spectrum covers measuring technologies, source apportionment and variability studies, all these are in due process of preparing a guideline for the sustainable development in terms of industrial, infrastructural as well as overall growth of the country. Both the outdoor and indoor air quality has significant impact on human health. With special concentration on BTEX and HAPs, the health related investigations are conducted as part of interdisciplinary studies of environmental science. Newer technologies to remove VOCs under specific industrial and practical conditions are getting emerged as a comparatively new era. It addresses fields like adsorption, condensation, pervaporation, biodegradation and catalytic combustion. Besides, different kinds of biofilters have drawn significant attention nowadays. The final selection of appropriate technology depends on type and concentrations of VOCs, extent of separation required and cost involved. All these technologies are although well studied, but could not be adopted for regular commercial usage till date. There is scope to explore new horizons as well as regular monitoring on the introduced pathways to limit VOC emission in the ambient air. This review aims at a concise discussion on all the areas that come under the umbrella of non-methane VOC technologies.
Highlights
Volatile organic compounds (VOC) are ubiquitous atmospheric species of both natural and anthropogenic sources
This review aims at a concise discussion on all the areas that come under the umbrella of non-methane VOC technologies
Thereby it is quite evident that in rural areas natural vegetation causes VOC emission, due to lower NOx concentration, O3 production is less; which is not the case in urban atmosphere, where due to the industrial and vehicular pollution the relative concentration of NOx reaches up to a level so that it contributes to production of O3 even in small concentration of nonmethane hydrocarbons (NMHCs)
Summary
Volatile organic compounds (VOC) are ubiquitous atmospheric species of both natural and anthropogenic sources. These are wide range of chemicals including aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, esters and halogenated compounds sharing the same characteristics of high volatility in the ambient environment and result in alteration of the chemistry of atmosphere. Anthropogenic sources are the result of urbanization and industrialization. Thereby it is quite evident that in rural areas natural vegetation causes VOC emission, due to lower NOx concentration, O3 production is less; which is not the case in urban atmosphere, where due to the industrial and vehicular pollution the relative concentration of NOx reaches up to a level so that it contributes to production of O3 even in small concentration of NMHCs. In polluted areas with relatively high concentration of NOx, photochemical oxidants of NMHCs, initiate a complex series of photochemical reactions that lead to the production of O3 and other secondary oxidant pollutants [1]. The emission of VOCs have much more detrimental effect in urban areas and the percentage concentration of VOCs in ambient air, their source profile identification and effect on health due to exposure should be well understood to undertake a successful planning of metropolis or establishment of industrial belt
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
