Research Article Open Access

VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS (VOC) EMISSIONS FROM IDENTIFIED INDUSTRIAL SECTOR OF ANKLESHWAR, INDIA

Abstract

The study of the industrial Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) emission is essential due to presence of many large industries including chemical, ceramic, pharmaceutical, textile, automobile, refining and petrochemicals, coke production, organic chemical, pesticides which are potential industries to emit high level of VOCs. VOCs are compounds with low boiling points that easily escape into the atmosphere and can travel longer distances, posing potential adverse effects on human health, contributing to the formation of ground- leve l ozone and secondary organic aerosols through photochemical reactions. Ankleshwar being one of Asia’s largest chemical zones with over 2,000 industries has faced air quality concerns due to high levels of pollutants such as particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, Sulphur oxides and VOCs. The emission inventory of VOCs is conducted by considering emission factors for different emission sources including raw materials and production processes. The spatial distribution analysis using a GIS reveals that VOC concentrations are highest in the GIDC area of Ankleshwar where major large-scale industries are located. To assess the trend of VOC emissions in Ankleshwar data was collected over the past four years indicating average VOC emissions of 6.22 µg/m3, 10.88 µg/m3, 5.51 µg/m3, and 3.65 µg/m3, respectively. To improve the accuracy of VOC emission estimates emission factors specific to each emission source and industrial sector were derived from literature surveys and reviews. Hence, in present study an attempt has been made to assess the VOC pollution over Ankleshwar city.

ARPIT MEHTA, VISHWA SHUKLA*

To read the full article Download Full Article | Visit Full Article