Jookjantra P.Keawboonchu J.Malakan W.Lee K.Thepanondh S.Mahidol University2026-06-212026-06-212026-12-01Scientific Reports Vol.16 No.1 (2026)https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/117446Managing volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions in industrial complexes requires clear links between emission sources, atmospheric dispersion, and their contributions to ambient exposure. This study links VOC assessment and cost-effectiveness analysis to support emission management in a petroleum and petrochemical industrial estate in Thailand. Annual emissions were estimated at 12,465 kg for benzene and 1,337 kg for 1,3-butadiene, with storage tanks dominating benzene releases (54.42%) and wastewater treatment systems governing 1,3-butadiene emissions (62.50%). Atmospheric dispersion modeling using AERMOD indicated compliance with Thai ambient air quality standards at all public-access receptors, with predicted concentrations below 1.7 µg/m³ for benzene and 0.33 µg/m³ for 1,3-butadiene, although elevated concentrations occurred near emission sources. Source apportionment revealed that storage infrastructure contributed 81–97% of ambient benzene concentrations at critical receptors, while wastewater treatment systems accounted for 74–76% of 1,3-butadiene exposure. Cost-effectiveness indicators and investment appraisal metrics were applied to evaluate emission control options. Lower-capital interventions were consistently prioritized. Activated carbon vapor recovery achieved a 95% reduction in benzene emissions, while hard-pipe wastewater modification reduced 1,3-butadiene emissions by 97.89% with minimal capital requirements. These findings indicate that substantial exposure reduction is achievable without reliance on capital-intensive controls.MultidisciplinaryArticleSCOPUS10.1038/s41598-026-49628-32-s2.0-10504196593920452322