Profile of Benzene and Toluene in Ambient Air of Khurja City, NCR: Sources, Seasonal Variations, and Health-Environmental Implications
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59436/jsiane.v6i2.15.2583-2093Keywords:
Benzene; Toluene; Volatile organic compounds (VOCs); Ambient air quality; Seasonal variation; Source apportionment; Health risk assessment; Urban air pollution; Khurja City.Abstract
Benzene and toluene represent dangerous volatile organic compounds (VOCs) frequently found in the air of cities as a result of industries and automobiles. The paper examines the levels of concentration, spatial patterns and seasonal changes of benzene and toluene in the ambient air at Khurja City, which is part of the National Capital Region (NCR) in India. The samples of ambient air were taken at the selected sites of industry, residential, and traffic-dominated zones with the help of the standardized sampling methods, and then chemical analysis was carried out through the gas chromatography-based methods. The findings indicate that spatial and temporal differences exist, whereby the concentrations are higher in the industrial and busy regions and in the winter season. The toluene-to-benzene (T/B) ratios reveal that the major sources are anthropogenic sources, especially vehicles emission and small-scale industries. The degree of concentration was put against the national and international air quality standards to determine adherence and possible risks. The outcome of the health risk assessment shows that there is high risk of lifetime cancer due to benzene exposure and non-cancer health risks due to toluene especially its effects on the central nervous system. The paper highlights the importance of specific approaches to pollution control, the ongoing monitoring, and intervention policies to reduce the impact of VOC pollution and protect people health in newly industrialized towns like Khurja.
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