Characterization of volatile organic compounds emissions and health risk assessment in coking industry: A case study in East China.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) represent a critical category of air pollutants, and the emissions from anthropogenic sources are essential for understanding and managing VOC pollution and the resultant ozone (O3) pollution. Several research initiatives have evaluated VOC emissions from significant industrial sources in China; however, knowledge regarding VOC emissions in the coking industry is still insufficient. The investigation examines the characteristics of VOC emissions from the coking industry through detailed unit-based field sampling, constructs emission source profiles, identifies provincial VOC emission characteristics, and assesses potential health risks to workers. Experimental results indicate that the primary categories of VOC emissions in the coking section are alkanes and alkenes, whereas aromatics and oxygenated VOCs predominate in the gas purification and sewage treatment sections. The fingerprint VOC species in these sections are n-pentane, benzene, and i-propanol, respectively. The highest emission factor occurs in the coking oven unit. The ozone formation potential research indicated that the coking oven and the condensing and blasting units significantly influence O3 formation, with propene being the predominant contributor. Additionally, the health risks associated with different physical work intensities for occupational workers are examined, indicating that heavy physical labor can cause serious carcinogenic risks to workers. Benzene is a predominant carcinogenic hazard, whereas 1,1,2-trichloroethane is the primary non-carcinogenic VOC species in coking industry. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the pollution profiles and environmental risks of VOCs discharged from the coking industry, informs the implementation of VOC regulations, and promotes cleaner production.