Asian Journal of Atmospheric Environment

Korean Society for Atmospheric Environment (한국대기환경학회)
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The Temporal and Spatial Distribution of Volatile Organic Compounds(VOCs) in the Urban Residential Atmosphere of Seoul, Korea

  • Anthwal, Ashish (Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences, Sejong University) ;
  • Park, Chan-Goo (Seoul Metropolitan Institute of Public Health and Environment) ;
  • Jung, Kweon (Seoul Metropolitan Institute of Public Health and Environment) ;
  • Kim, Min-Young (Seoul Metropolitan Institute of Public Health and Environment) ;
  • Kim, Ki-Hyun (Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences, Sejong University)
  • Received : 2010.03.30
  • Accepted : 2010.05.07
  • Published : 2010.06.30
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Abstract

Automobile emissions have caused a major hydrocarbon pollution problem in the ambient air of many cities around the world. This study was conducted to measure the pollution status of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in some urban residential areas in Seoul, Korea. A total of 20 VOCs (11 aromatic and 9 chlorinated species) were identified at 4 urban residential sites in Seoul, Korea from February 2009 to July 2009. Comparison of total VOC (TVOC) concentration data indicated the dominance of the aromatic species with the maximum (72.2 ppbC) at Jong Ro (JR) and the minimum at Yang Jae (33.4 ppbC). The peak concentration of TVOC occurred during spring at all sites with an exception at Gang Seo (GS), where it was recorded during winter. The distribution of individual VOCs at the study sites was characterized by high toluene concentration. A strong correlation of benzene was also observed with other VOCs and criteria pollutants at all sites (except YJ). The overall results of this study suggest that vehicular emissions have greatly contributed to the increase in VOC pollution at all the study sites.

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References

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