Assessment of atmospheric volatile organic compounds at two crude oil production plants in Southeastern Türkiye.

Ambient Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) were investigated to determine their characteristics, Ozone Formation Potentials (OFPs), and health risks in two crude oil production plants (Nusaybin and Egil plants) in southeastern Türkiye. Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, m + p xylene, o xylene, and 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene were measured at eight passive sampling points in each plant. Samples were analyzed using gas chromatography coupled with a flame ionization detector and a thermal desorption. The concentration of ∑ 6 VOC ranged from 5.03 to 88.43 μg/m3 in the Nusaybin Plant and from 7.70 to 154.35 μg/m3 in the Egil Plant. Toluene and xylenes were predominant in both plants. In the Nusaybin Plant, VOCs were mainly associated with crude oil production, while in the Egil Plant, they were associated with a combination of crude oil production and mobile vehicle activities. The OFP of ∑ 6 VOC was 297.47 μg/m3 in the Nusaybin Plant, and 249.25 μg/m3 in the Egil Plant. M + p xylene, toluene, and 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene together contributed 86% and 84% of the total OFP in the Nusaybin and Egil plants, respectively. Benzene exposure posed a possible cancer risk to oil workers in both plants. Non-cancer health risk was at a potential level in the Egil Plant but negligible in the Nusaybin Plant. This study is expected to enhance knowledge regarding the effects of crude oil production plants on air quality and workplace exposure.