Assessment of BTEX Concentrations Along Hakim Expressway: A Case Study from Milad Tower to Resalat Tunnel

arsalan keramat ¹ ( department of environment,damavand branch,islamic azad university,damavand,iran )
shahrzad khoram nejadian ² ( Department of environment,damavand branch,islamic azad university, damavand,iran. )
farid gholamreza fahimi ³ ( Department of Environment, tonekabon Branch, Islamic Azad University, tonekabon, Iran )
samira ghiasi ⁴ ( Department of Environmental Engineering, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran. )

تاریخ ارسال : 1402/04/03 تاریخ تایید : 1402/10/02

کلید واژه: Health, air pollution, Tehran, BTEX, traffic, ambient,

چکیده مقاله :

This research aims to assess the concentrations of benzene, toluene, and ethylbenzene along the Hakim Expressway, from Milad Tower to Resalat Tunnel, in order to investigate the impact of traffic, a major contributor to air pollution in Tehran, and the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) resulting from fossil fuel burning. Conducted in the fall of 2020, the study reveals that heavy-traffic regions exhibit higher VOC levels. The accumulation of VOCs in the examined areas is influenced by wind direction and time of day. Measurements were taken during both morning and evening periods. The amount of benzene in the morning at Geisha station is 39.1 ppb and the lowest amount at azadegan blvd about 21.22ppb. The amount of toluene in the morning at Chamran station is 461.1 ppb and the lowest amount is 359.1 ppb at azadegan blvd.. The amount of Ethylbenzene in the morning at Chamran station is 2.86 ppb. These stations showed the highest values in the morning. In the evening, the highest values observed in the gisha stations 38.2ppb the lowest amount at azadegan blvd 21.42. ppb. Highest amount of toluene at night were seen at gisha station 489 ppb the lowest amount at azadegan blvd about 231ppb. The highest amount of Ethylbenzene was seen at Resalat tunnel 1.4 ppb and lowest amount at chamran. Benzene and toluene concentrations remained consistent between morning and night, while ethylbenzene concentrations varied. The traffic load in the sampled areas exhibited a direct effect on some BTEX (benzene, toluene, ðylbenzene) concentrations.

متن کامل:



Available online at www.ap.iauardabil.ac.ir Islamic Azad University, Ardabil Branch Anthropogenic Pollution Journal, Vol 3 (2), 2019: 10-17 DOI: 10.22034/ap.2019.668485 ISSN:  2783-1736- E-ISSN: 2588-4646

 

Assessment of BTEX Concentrations Along Hakim Expressway: A Case Study from Milad Tower to Resalat Tunnel

 

 

Received: 13 August 2019/ Accepted: 28 september 2019/ Published: 31 september 2019

 

Abstract: This research aims to assess the concentrations of benzene, toluene, and ethylbenzene along the Hakim Expressway, from Milad Tower to Resalat Tunnel, in order to investigate the impact of traffic, a major contributor to air pollution in Tehran, and the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) resulting from fossil fuel burning. Conducted in the fall of 2020, the study reveals that heavy-traffic regions exhibit higher VOC levels. The accumulation of VOCs in the examined areas is influenced by wind direction and time of day. Measurements were taken during both morning and evening periods. The amount of benzene in the morning at Geisha station is 39.1 ppb and the lowest amount at azadegan blvd about 21.22ppb. The amount of toluene in the morning at Chamran station is 461.1 ppb and the lowest amount is 359.1 ppb at azadegan blvd.. The amount of Ethylbenzene in the morning at Chamran station is 2.86 ppb. These stations showed the highest values in the morning. In the evening, the highest values observed in the gisha stations 38.2ppb the lowest amount at azadegan blvd 21.42. ppb. Highest amount of toluene at night were seen at gisha station 489 ppb the lowest amount at azadegan blvd about 231ppb. The highest amount of Ethylbenzene was seen at Resalat tunnel 1.4 ppb and lowest amount at chamran. Benzene and toluene concentrations remained consistent between morning and night, while ethylbenzene concentrations varied. The traffic load in the sampled areas exhibited a direct effect on some BTEX (benzene, toluene, & ethylbenzene) concentrations.

Keywords: : Tehran, BTEX, air pollution, Hakim Expressway, traffic, health, ambient.

 

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

 

 

1.       Introduction

        Metropolises worldwide face numerous challenges resulting from population growth in various regions. One significant problem is air pollution caused by heavy traffic on expressways. Clean air is necessary for marinating the living on the earth (Makkiabadi et al.,2022). Tehran, as a metropolis, experiences high levels of air pollution due to population growth, urbanization trends, and geographical factors, leading to a substantial annual mortality rate (Sajjadian, 2015). Investigations have identified contributing factors such as west and east winds, as well as temperature inversion during cold periods, exacerbating air pollution in Tehran (Mohammadian, 2018). Air pollutants in metropolises like Tehran, primarily originating from car fuels, consist of compounds known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including benzene, toluene, and xylene (BTEX). These compounds are extensively used in various industries, such as paint production and automobile manufacturing (Omidi et al., 2015). BTEX is a mixture of volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (VAHs), specifically benzene, toluene, and xylene isomers. These carcinogenic compounds pose significant risks to both human health and the environment (Dehghani et al., 2018). Leak of petroleum in the soil could cause the entering BTEX to the environment (muhibbu-din & ayodele,2021).

 

Benzene finds industrial applications as a solvent for waxes, resins, rubbers, and more. It is characterized as an aromatic, colorless, and volatile substance that burns with a yellow flame and produces soot. Benzene is known to be carcinogenic, and exposure to it can have adverse effects on bone marrow cells, leading to reduced hematopoiesis, a weakened immune system, blood cancer (leukemia), respiratory diseases, infertility, and lymphoma (Hashemi and Sanayi, 2004). In comparison, toluene is considered less hazardous than benzene, although it still poses risks. It directly affects the nervous system and can cause anorexia, fatigue, weakness, insomnia, visual impairment, hearing loss, and even endocrine disorders at low concentrations (Asilian Mahabadi et al., 2018).

 

Dimethyl benzene, also known as xylene, is an organic, volatile, aromatic, and flammable compound with three isomers: para-xylene, ortho-xylene, and meta-xylene, distinguished by the varying positions of methyl groups. This compound is commonly used in gasoline for airplanes and cars, entering the environment through gasoline usage. Xylene poisoning can occur through inhalation, ingestion, or dermal exposure. Adverse health effects of xylene exposure include rhinitis, headaches, kidney and liver problems, skin allergies, blisters, and uveitis.

 

Investigations have revealed that benzene reaches its highest levels in the ambient air of Tehran during the early morning and late evening, which coincide with peak traffic hours (Rafiyi et al., 2017).

 

Urban air hydrocarbons are introduced into the environment through car exhaust systems (L. Löfgren, 1992).

 

Expressways in metropolises experience significant pollution due to heavy traffic. The combination of heavy traffic and high fuel consumption on expressways leads to the emission of pollutants in the surrounding areas. The Hakim Expressway, a major expressway in Tehran that spans from east to west, carries a substantial portion of car traffic. This research aims to assess the concentration of BTEX along a specific section of the Hakim Expressway, specifically from Milad Tower to Resalat Tunnel.

 

Therefore, the group of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) known as BTEX is recognized as a significant contributor to air pollution in urban ecosystems. Moreover, due to their association with specific activities and conditions related to fossil fuels (such as storage, transportation, distribution, and purification), BTEX poses potential occupational safety and health risks. Consequently, assessing BTEX levels is of utmost importance from a health, safety, and environment (HSE) management perspective. When BTEX concentrations exceed the permissible threshold limit value or when adverse effects are observed among employees and workers in these environments and settings, various control measures can be implemented. These measures include preventing vapor emissions from facilities and equipment through technical adjustments or design modifications. Additionally, reducing workers' exposure to respiratory gases is crucial and, if necessary, providing appropriate personal protective equipment, such as face masks, is crucial. These solutions are applicable to individuals working as gas station attendants, fuel loading ramp operators, and refinery operators. In this article, benzene compounds (benzene and ethylbenzene) and toluene have been investigated. 

 

2.       Materials and Methods

The selection of BTEX assessment points was based on the volume of traffic and proximity to areas with heavy traffic. Sampling was conducted during peak hours in Tehran, specifically from 6 to 8 a.m. and from 4 to 6 p.m., with each period lasting two hours. The tests were performed following the Standard Method - NIOSH 1501.

 

 

 

 

 

Table 1: Geographical coordinates of sampling points

 

Geographical coordinates		Station	No
35/740937	51/374848	Hakim Expressway -  Gisha	1
35/742644	51/383216	Hakim Expressway- Chamran	2
35/44'38.3	51/24'21.8	Hakim Expressway  - Resalat Tunnel	3
35.741076	51.397081	Hakim Expressway  - Azadegan Blvd	4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.       Result

 

Table 2: BTEX concentrations in the morning samples

Toluene(ppb)	Ethylbenzene(ppb)	Benzene(ppb)	Location / Parameter	No
488	0/0	39/1	Hakim Expressway  -  Gisha
461/1	2/86	37/12	Hakim Expressway- Chamran
359/1	1/1	35/3	Hakim Expressway  - Resalat Tunnel
231/1	0/1	21/22	Hakim Expressway  - Azadegan Blvd

 

 

Table 3: BTEX concentrations in night samples

Toluene(ppb)	Ethylbenzene(ppb)	Benzene(ppb)	Location / Parameter	No
489	0/3	38/2	Hakim Expressway  -  Gisha
486	0/0	34/46	Hakim Expressway- Chamran
359	1/4	35/4	Hakim Expressway  - Resalat Tunnel
231	0/1	21/42	Hakim Expressway  - Azadegan Blvd

 

 

 

Fig.1: Comparison of benzene concentrations in the morning and at night in GIS Map

 

 

 

Fig.2: Comparison of benzene concentrations in the morning and at night

 

 

Fig.3: Comparison of ethylbenzene concentrations in the morning and at night in GIS Map

 

 

 

 

Fig.4: Comparison of ethylbenzene concentrations in the morning and at night

 

 

Fig.5: Comparison of toluene concentrations in the morning and at night in GIS Map

 

 

 

Fig.6: Comparison of toluene concentrations in the morning and at night

 

 

The figure 6 illustrates the concentrations of toluene in the morning samples during the fall season. Toluene is susceptible to decomposition by soil bacteria and can be absorbed by plants, leading to membrane damage. This substance is commonly found in urban areas with heavy traffic, where it is released into the ambient air through gasoline combustion. Gasoline serves as the primary source of toluene exposure for the general public, with toluene comprising 5 to 7% of its weight. Toluene is emitted into the atmosphere during gasoline production, transportation, and combustion processes. It is particularly concentrated in areas with heavy traffic and in proximity to refineries. In comparison, the concentration of toluene is lower on Azadegan Blvd., where there is no traffic during both morning and nighttime periods

.

 

Fig.7: BTEX concentrations in the morning

 

Fig8: BTEX concentrations at night

 

4.       Discussion

 

Table 2 shown the BTEX concentrations in the morning samples. Benzene and Toluene has a high amount at Gisha station. Ethyl benzene is high at Chamran stations. Table 3shown the BTEX concentrations in night samples. Ethyl benzene and Toluene has a high amount at Reslat Tunnel station. Ethyl benzene is high at Gisha stations. Comparison of benzene concentrations in the morning and at night in GIS Map shown on Figure 1. The benzene parameter exhibited the highest values in the morning at Points 1 and 2. Throughout the night, there was a gradual decrease in benzene levels, although Point 1 still remained relatively high. Comparison of benzene concentrations in the morning and at night were shown in Fig2. Fig.3 that shown the Comparison of ethylbenzene concentrations in the morning and at night in GIS Map. The ethylbenzene parameter experienced a significant reduction during the night compared to the morning. The figure 4 illustrates the concentrations of ethylbenzene in the morning and night samples during the fall season. Chamran Intersection exhibited the highest ethylbenzene concentration in the morning samples, while the Gisha Neighborhood entrance had the lowest. BTEX emissions are influenced by factors such as the source, mode of transport, and environmental processes (Vatani Shoaa et al., 2015). Temperature, humidity, and air flow play a significant role in the dispersion of these substances. Ethylbenzene concentrations increased during the night, and substantial increases were also observed at locations with lower concentrations during other hours of the day. The colder weather in these areas further contributes to emissions, particularly at night when traffic is present near Resalat Tunnel on Azadegan Blvd. It appears that the reduction in temperature affects the concentrations of BTEX (Salmani et al., 2015). Fig.5 shown the Comparison of toluene concentrations in the morning and at night in GIS Map. The toluene parameter showed consistently high levels during both measurement times. Base on all GIS maps in Figs.1,3&5 consequently, each parameter generally demonstrated a decrease during the night compared to the morning measurements, except for toluene, which remained consistently high at both Points 1 and 2. In general, the four studied stations exhibited the highest parameter volumes. Conversely, Point 4 (located at the corner of Azadegan Blvd. and Hakim Expressway) consistently displayed the lowest parameter volumes across all cases. Figures 4 and 5 demonstrate that toluene exhibits the highest concentration, whereas benzene shows the lowest concentration. According to OSHA safe level of airborne benzene is 1ppm per 8 hours work shift. According to OSHA safe level of airborne is 100 ppm averaged over a 10-hour work shift, Based on OSHA, permissible exposure limit of ethylbenzene is 100 ppm as an 8-hour work shift. It can be inferred that sports clubs, scientific centers, companies, parks, and stores contribute to the increased levels of toluene in this area. Toluene can be absorbed through dermal contact, inhalation, and ingestion, with inhalation being of particular importance (Berna et al., 2005). Car fuels serve as the primary source of toluene, which enters the environment through petroleum-based fuels (Rezayi et al., 2007). Gas stations are also known to contribute significantly to the presence of benzene in the surrounding air (Fooladi et al., 2021).

It appears that spatial and temporal changes influence BTEX concentrations. To test this hypothesis, a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted. The analysis reveals that the significance level of the area factor is greater than 0.05, indicating that it does not have a significant effect on benzene concentration. On the other hand, the significance level of the time factor is less than 0.05, suggesting that time has a significant impact on benzene concentration. Furthermore, no interaction between the area and time factors regarding benzene concentration was observed. The benzene concentrations in the morning and night samples during the fall season are shown above. The lowest level was observed on Azadegan Blvd., which is a residential area with less traffic. These findings are consistent with previous research (Khani et al., 2019). The highest concentration in the morning was recorded at the entrance of Gisha Neighborhood, located opposite Milad Tower. This area experiences heavy traffic and is situated near the intersection of the Sheikh Fazlollah Expressway. Benzene concentrations remained consistent between the morning and night samples. It can be inferred that benzene concentrations increase as the weather gets colder.

Comparison of ethylbenzene concentrations in the morning and at night were shown at Figure 4.

The figure 6 illustrates the concentrations of toluene in the morning samples during the fall season. Toluene is susceptible to decomposition by soil bacteria and can be absorbed by plants, leading to membrane damage. This substance is commonly found in urban areas with heavy traffic, where it is released into the ambient air through gasoline combustion. Gasoline serves as the primary source of toluene exposure for the general public, with toluene comprising 5 to 7% of its weight. Toluene is emitted into the atmosphere during gasoline production, transportation, and combustion processes. It is particularly concentrated in areas with heavy traffic and in proximity to refineries. In comparison, the concentration of toluene is lower on Azadegan Blvd., where there is no traffic during both morning and nighttime periods.figure 7 and 8 compare the amount of BTEX at morning and night. For a better comparison, the said contents are summarized in two graphs.

 

 

 

 

 

5.       Conclusions

 

        

Fuels serve as the source of volatile organic hydrocarbons in metropolitan areas. Among these, benzene, toluene, and xylene isomers play a significant role as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This study focused on assessing the concentrations of BTEX in heavily trafficked areas of the Hakim Expressway. The findings reveal that during both morning and night, when the weather becomes colder, the measured concentrations remain consistent. Furthermore, as traffic decreased, the levels of VOCs also decreased. Azadegan Blvd., characterized by light traffic and a residential setting, exhibited the lowest concentrations of benzene and toluene. It is important to note that benzene and toluene are pollutants originating from traffic (Borhani et al., 2017). On the other hand, the Gisha (Nasr) neighborhood entrance, located between multiple expressways, experienced the highest volume of pollutants. The air pollution stemming from the Chamran and Sheikh Fazlollah Expressways had a significant impact on this section of the Hakim Expressway. Additionally, the intersection of Chamran and Hakim Expressways demonstrated the highest concentration of ethylbenzene.

 

 

6.       Conflict of interest

        The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

 

7.       Additional Information And Declarations

Funding

There was no funder for this study.

Grant Disclosures

There was no grant funder for this study.

Competing Interests

The author declare there is no competing interests, regarding the publication of this manuscript

Author Contributions

Arsalan Keramat, Shahrzad khoramnejadian , farid gholamreza fahimi, samira ghiasi: Prposed the plan, conceived the experiments, analyzed the data, authored or revised drafts of the paper, approved the final draft.

Ethics Statement

 

 

 

 

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