Identification of potential emission source of airborne benzene in Maptaphut industrial area, Thailand

Abstract

© 2015 Taylor & Francis Group, London. Benzene concentration measured in the vicinity of industrial area of Thailand was analyzed using Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) to identify its potential emission sources. Measured data used in this study were obtained from seven monitoring receptors during January 2009 to December 2013. Results indicated that benzene concentrations were due to both mobile and industrial sources. In general, mobile source was the major emission source with its contribution of more than 50% of total benzene concentration. Industrial source contribution was estimated around 21%–35% of benzene concentration. Results of this study indicated that it is quite important to understand contribution of potential emission source to set up appropriate measures in controlling of air pollution in the area.