Atmospheric volatile organic compounds levels in furniture-manufacturing city in Turkey

Abstract

Air pollutant emissions originated from industrial processes, combustion, and vehicles, significantly impacting air quality levels. In this study, Inegol-Bursa/Turkey, the city stands out with its furniture manufacturing sector, burning of hardboard wastes and dense traffic. Atmospheric volatile organic compound concentrations at 25 different points in Inegol city of Bursa were determined with passive air sampler. The city was classified according to its characteristics (organized industrial zone, residential areas, wastewater treatment plant, fuel-oil station and furniture industry zone). Different volatile organic compounds (45 species) were investigated in the atmosphere of the city. Volatile organic compound concentration in city air ranged from 17.1 to 133.6 μg/m3 and an average value of 59.5 ± 32.7 μg/m3. Volatile organic compound concentrations were found to be higher, especially in industrial districts and near motorways. Lower concentrations than average volatile organic compound value were determined near the wastewater treatment plant, fuel-oil station and residential areas. The average of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes concentration for the city was determined as 34.7 ± 19.5 μg/m3. The highest concentration of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes was found in industrial zone (89.8 μg/m3) where the furniture industry and uncontrolled combustion were dominant. Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes concentrations obtained in this region were 2–6 times higher than the other sampling sites. In addition, cancer risk was calculated within the study's scope and the district risk was found to be at probable risk level.