Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes surrounding a crude oil production plant: Concentrations, health risks, and ozone formation potentials

Year 2025, Volume: 8 Issue: 4, 996 - 1006, 31.12.2025

Talha Kemal Koçak

https://doi.org/10.35208/ert.1605266

Abstract

The global economy relies heavily on crude oil as a primary source of energy and a key component in the production of many everyday products. However, the production of crude oil can release BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes) into the atmosphere, thereby contributing to air pollution and negatively affecting the health of oil workers. To improve the understanding of BTEX pollution in the vicinity of a crude oil production plant, this study examines the concentrations, health risks, and ozone formation potential of BTEX in a crude oil production plant located in Diyarbakır, Türkiye. The research employed passive samplers and chromatographic analysis to collect and analyze BTEX samples, revealing concentrations that ranged from 3.46 to 30.06 μg/m3. Statistical analysis revealed higher concentrations of BTEX within the plant perimeter in comparison to the surrounding area, indicating the plant as a primary source of these compounds in the region. Among BTEX, toluene was identified as the dominant compound, as observed in some studies conducted in areas with heavy traffic and industrial activity. The health risk assessment indicates that the inhalation of BTEX poses negligible cancer and non-cancer risks for oil workers. Additionally, the ozone formation potential of BTEX in the Diyarbakır Plant is found to be 56.8 μg/m3, which is generally lower than the values reported in the relevant literature. Overall, the findings suggest that monitoring and reducing emissions from crude oil production is vital for the protection of air quality and the occupational health of workers.

Keywords

Air pollution , environmental monitoring , industrial emissions , storage tanks

Ethical Statement

Not applicable.

Supporting Institution

Turkish Petroleum Corporation

Thanks

We thank the Turkish Petroleum Corporation for financial support and access to its facilities for this study.

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