Modeling of the BTX Species Based on an Emission Inventory of Sources at the Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate in Thailand

Abstract

Air emissions from the Map Ta Phut petrochemical complex in southeastern Thailand were studied. One focus of the research is the development of an emission inventory of the volatile organic compounds, benzene, toluene, and xylene (BTX). Emission sources were identified and the loading from all mobile and stationary sources were compiled. Based on this data set, the Industrial Source Complex Short-Term version 3 (ISCST-3) was used to predict the contributions of the BTX species, which then were compared with the field measurements. The methodology of the emission inventory is described and evaluated with the shortcomings and areas of uncertainty. The relative importance of point, line and area sources and the influence of the local meteorology on the timing and place of concentration impacts are discussed. The coincidences and differences observed highlight the relative importance of source type and location, and of fugitive emissions and episode events. In particular, this research highlights the importance of area emissions from the petrochemical and petroleum industries, such as the oil refineries and tank farms, and identifies them as potential major contributors to the ambient BTX concentrations.