Environmental impacts and emission profiles of volatile organic compounds from petroleum refineries

Abstract

This study evaluates the emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from petroleum refinery operations, focusing on quantifying the VOCs emission inventory, analyzing their spatial distribution, and assessing their environmental impacts. Emission measurements identified storage tanks as the primary source of VOCs, with pentane, cyclopentane, and cyclohexane being the dominant species. The total VOCs emissions were estimated at 1132.1 tons per year. Spatial dispersion modeling revealed that storage tanks contributed significantly to VOCs concentrations at receptor sites, accounting for 64.5–88.1% of the total VOCs emissions, followed by contributions from the wastewater treatment unit and marketing terminal. Ambient VOCs concentrations were then used to calculate secondary organic aerosol (SOA) levels, with toluene identified as the primary contributor to SOA formation in the surrounding environment. This study underscores the critical importance of targeting VOCs emissions, particularly from storage tanks, as a strategy to mitigate both VOCs and SOA concentrations. The findings highlight the potential for improved management and control strategies to reduce the environmental and public health risks associated with these emissions.