Abstract
Volatile organic Compounds(VOC) were measured at an industrial site in Ulsan in 1997 and 1998. Twenty-four hour integrated ambient air samples were collected in 6 L SUMMA canisters during the periods of June 3 to 8, 1997 and June 12 to 17, 1998. The daily mean concentrations of the total $C_2-C_9$ VOC in 1998 were about one third of those in 1997. This decrease of VOC levels may be attributable to the measures to control the emissions of VOC and the decrease of the plant operation. The decrease in the concentrations of oxygenated hydrocarbons and alkenes, especially, contributed to the decrease of the total VOC concentrations in 1998. Lowever concentrations of alkenes compared to aromatics in 1998 were due to the decrease of ethylene and propylene. In the present study, methanol (12.0 ppb) was the most abundant species, followed by acetone (10.1 ppb), propane (6.0 ppb), and vinyl chloride (5.9 ppb). The total concentrations of hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) in 1998 were reduced compared to those in 1997. However, this decrease is due to the drastic decrease of the concentration of methanol. Except methanol, the concentrations of HAPs have not varied much. It is suspected that the VOC control strategy for the Ulsan industrial area has been successful for reducing the total VOC levels but might not be effective in reducing the concentrations of HAPs.
