牛粪好氧发酵挥发性物质排放特征及恶臭物质分析

不同原料好氧发酵产生的臭气物质组分和浓度存在差异。以牛粪和玉米秸秆为原料研究好氧发酵过程挥发性有机物（Volatile Organic Compound，VOCs）的产排特征及主要致臭物质，开展牛粪好氧发酵试验，采用气相色谱-质谱法分析测定发酵升温期、高温期、降温期及腐熟期等不同发酵阶段的VOCs组分和浓度，硼酸溶液吸收，盐酸滴定法测定NH3，便携式检测器（Tion NH3-H2S 300 G）测定H2S，3点比较式臭袋法测定不同发酵阶段臭气浓度。结果表明，牛粪好氧发酵过程中共检出31种VOCs，其中含硫化合物42种，醇类1种，酯类1种，酮类1种，卤代烃4种，苯系物9种，烷烃类8种，烯烃3种；在好氧发酵高温期臭气浓度最高为724（无量纲），VOCs产生与排放主要在高温期。基于恶臭污染排放标准和恶臭物质气味活度值，并结合各物质检出率、GS-MS图谱及相关性分析，发现NH3、H2S、甲硫醚是牛粪好氧发酵过程的主要致臭物质；其次芳香族化合物对臭气浓度贡献也相对较大，应进行重点监测与控制。该研究可为牛粪好氧发酵过程臭气物质减控提供理论支撑。     

气相抽提法（SVE）去除土壤中挥发性有机污染物的试验研究

通过模拟土壤气相抽提技术（Soil Vapor Extraction,SVE）通风处理甲苯、乙苯、正丙苯混合污染的黄棕壤,研究了不同通风流量、不同土壤含水率、间歇通风等因素对目标污染物去除率的影响。结果表明,通风流量和含水率是影响去除率的重要因素。当柱径14 cm、土壤粒径为10目连续通风时,最佳通风流量为0.15 L.min-1,最佳含水率约17.98%条件下,甲苯、乙苯、正丙苯的去除率分别为99.84%、99.45%、98.25%,总挥发性有机物（Total VOCs,TVOCs）去除率达到了99.30%,且优于间歇通风;含水率为6.01%、24.73%时,TVOCs的去除率仅为63.03%、89.03%,表明含水率过高或过低都不利于VOCs的去除;苯环上支链越长,分子量越大,沸点越高,越难以被脱附去除,反之亦然,表明有机物的分子结构和大小也是影响通风效果的重要因素。     

The Potted-Plant Microcosm Substantially Reduces Indoor Air VOC Pollution: II. Laboratory Study

Indoor air-borne loads of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are usually significantly higher than those outdoors, and chronic exposures can cause health problems. Our previous laboratory studies have shown that the potted-plant microcosm, induced by an initial dose, can eliminate high air-borne VOC concentrations, the primary removal agents being potting-mix microorganisms, selected and maintained in the plant/root-zone microcosm. Our office field-study, reported in the preceding paper, showed that, when total VOC (TVOC) loads in reference offices (0 plants) rose above about 100 ppb, levels were generally reduced by up to 75% (to < 100 ppb) in offices with any one of three planting regimes. The results indicate the induction of the VOC removal mechanism at TVOC levels above a threshold of about 100 ppb. The aims of this laboratory dose-response study were to explore and analyse this response. Over from 5 to 9 days, doses of 0.2, 1.0, 10 and 100 ppm toluene and m-xylene were applied and replenished, singly and as mixtures, to potted-plants of the same two species used in the office study. The results confirmed the induction of the VOC removal response at the lowest test dosage, i.e in the middle of the TVOC range found in the offices, and showed that, with subsequent dosage increments, further stepwise induction occurred, with rate increases of several orders of magnitude. At each dosage, with induction, VOC concentrations could be reduced to below GC detection limits (< 20 ppb) within 24 h. A synergistic interaction was found with the binary mixtures, toluene accelerating m-xylene removal, at least at lower dosages. The results of these two studies together demonstrate that the potted-plant microcosm can provide an effective, self-regulating, sustainable bioremediation or phytoremediation system for VOC pollution in indoor air.     

The Potted-Plant Microcosm Substantially Reduces Indoor Air VOC Pollution: I. Office Field-Study

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are major contaminants of indoor air, with concentrations often several times higher than outdoors. They are recognized as causative agents of “building-related illness” or “sick-building syndrome”. Our previous laboratory test-chamber studies have shown that the potted-plant/root-zone microorganism microcosm can eliminate high concentrations of air-borne VOCs within 24 hours, once the removal response has been induced by an initial dose. However, the effectiveness of the potted-plant microcosm in ‘real-world’ indoor spaces has never previously been tested experimentally. This paper reports the results of a field-study on the effects of potted-plant presence on total VOC (TVOC) levels, measured in 60 offices (12 per treatment), over two 5–9 week periods, using three planting regimes, with two ‘international indoor-plant’ species. Fourteen VOCs were identified in the office air. When TVOC loads in reference offices rose above 100 ppb, large reductions, of from 50 to 75% (to <100 ppb), were found in planted offices, under all planting regimes The results indicate that air-borne TVOC levels above a threshold of about 100 ppb stimulate the graded induction of an efficient metabolic VOC-removal mechanism in the microcosm. Follow-up laboratory dose-response experiments, reported in the following paper, confirm the graded induction response, over a wide range of VOC concentrations. The findings together demonstrate that potted-plants can provide an efficient, self-regulating, low-cost, sustainable, bioremediation system for indoor air pollution, which can effectively complement engineering measures to reduce indoor air pollution, and hence improve human wellbeing and productivity.     

Assessment of the Impact Produced by the Traffic Source on VOC Level in the Urban Area of Canosa di Puglia (Italy)

Volatile organic compounds (VOC) have been monitored in 12 sites of Canosa di Puglia, a city located in the Southern of Italy, in order to identify the main VOC source—vehicular traffic or industrial—and to evaluate the critical situations in the city. Monitoring, carried out by using Radiello® diffusive samplers, has been planned taking into account the traffic density and the architecture of the city. From the study of the data it has been emerged that, among all considered VOC, benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes (BTEX) are the pollutants at higher concentration. However no critical situation has appared from the present monitoring. Maps of daily benzene and toluene concentrations have shown that the most significant pollution phenomena happens in the center of the urban area which is in a valley with narrow roads and high buildings that do not allow an efficient dispersion of pollutants. The study of the diagnostic ratios between the toluene and benzene concentrations in the several areas (average T/B?=?3.4) and the high Pearson’s coefficient among the pollutants, and in particular between benzene and toluene concentrations (r?=?0.9505), have suggested that in urban area these pollutants are emitted from the same source: the vehicular traffic.     

Passive and Active Sampling of Benzene in Different Urban Environments in Gothenburg, Sweden

Urban benzene concentration and personal exposure to benzene were measured within different urban environments in Gothenburg, Sweden. Three intensive monitoring campaigns were carried out in May 2000, February 2001 and May 2001. Three different environments were selected; two central built-up areas with different traffic densities (high and low) and one large urban park. The methods used included passive and active sampling. Passive sampling was used to retrieve spatial variability in urban benzene concentrations, while active sampling aimed to give data on personal exposure levels within the designated areas. The passive sampling showed large spatial and temporal variations in urban benzene concentrations. The benzene concentrations, ranging from 1.0 to 3.1 μg m^?3, were typically two to four times higher within the high-traffic built-up area compared to the adjacent urban park. This was mainly due to the proximity to motorised traffic. A comparison between personal exposure and active stationary measurements showed that the personal exposure levels were roughly 1.5 times higher in the heavy traffic area and 1.3 times higher in the light traffic area than the fixed benzene concentrations. The personal exposure levels in the park were equal to the active stationary benzene concentration. Given the large spatial heterogeneity within urban areas, the placement of single street level point measurements becomes crucial. Care must be taken to ensure that the measurements are actually representative when using these measurements to estimate urban concentrations and exposure levels.     

Heavy metal and volatile organic chemical removal and treatment in on-site wastewater infiltration systems

Solvents, greases, and rinse waters from routine vehicle maintenance contain heavy metals and volatile organic chemicals (VOCs). In Wisconsin, these fluids enter catch basins along with rinsing waters and are discharged to soil infiltration systems drainfields after mixing with domestic wastewaters in a septic tank. The purpose of this study was to monitor heavy metal and VOC removal and treatment in catch basins and septic tanks at four publicly-owned motor vehicle service stations (MVSS). Cadmium, chromium, and lead were found in catch basin wastewater, septic tank effluent, and septic tank sludge at concentrations ranging from 0.002–7.7 mg L^?1. Lead was found in the highest concentration. The highest concentrations of metals were in septic tank sludge. Of the >50 VOCs scanned for in catch basin wastewater, septic tank effluent, and septic tank sludge samples, 29 were found in concentrations that exceeded analytical detection limits. Concentrations of detected VOCs ranged from 1.0–15,800 µg L^?1 and the highest concentrations of VOCs were found in catch basin wastewater and septic tank sludge. Acetone, ethylbenzene, toluene, and xylenes were the most commonly found VOCs at all sampling locations. Thus, heavy metals and VOCs were not completely removed in catch basins and were discharged to septic tanks where removal occured possibly as these contaminants settled with solids in the sludge. The level of treatment was, however, inadequate and heavy metals and VOCs were discharged to drainfields.     

中试规模猪粪堆肥挥发性有机物排放特征

为监测堆肥过程挥发性有机物(volatile organic compounds,VOCs)排放情况,该文开展了猪粪堆肥现场试验,采用苏玛罐采样,气相色谱-质谱法分析了猪粪好氧堆肥过程中VOCs浓度。结果表明:猪粪好氧堆肥过程中可以检测出的VOCs有81种,包括烷烃类34种,芳香烃类21种,卤烃类19种,胺类1种,含硫化合物3种,氟利昂类3种;其中检出率高且浓度远远超过其嗅阈值的VOCs包括三甲胺、二甲基硫、二甲基二硫和二甲基三硫,VOCs排放主要发生在堆肥的前2周。该研究将为控制猪粪堆肥过程中VOCs气体排放提供科学数据支持。     

Formaldehyde Concentrations in Ambient Air in Urban and Rural Areas in Gunma Prefecture, Japan

We measured formaldehyde concentrations in ambient air at urban (Isesaki) and rural (Annaka) sites in Gunma Prefecture, Japan from June 1998 to March 2003. Measurements were carried out once in a month to obtain daily mean formaldehyde concentrations. At both the sites, mean concentrations of formaldehyde were significantly higher from April to September (summer) than from October to March (winter). Formaldehyde concentrations in Annaka were essentially as high as those in Isesaki in summer, but were significantly lower in winter. At both the sites, concentrations of formaldehyde and oxidants correlated significantly with one another in the summer; correlation coefficients in Annaka and Isesaki were 0.82 and 0.64, respectively. The fraction of formaldehyde formed photochemically based on concentrations of benzene was calculated to be as high as 80% in both the sites in summer. The results suggested that formaldehyde concentrations were high even in rural air, reflecting photochemical reactions rather than automobile exhaust.     

基于蜣螂算法优化BP的冬夏生菜根区温度预测模型

为解决生菜应用营养液膜技术（nutrient film technique,NFT）在冬夏季根区温度控制的问题,该研究基于机器学习方法,结合温室内外历史环境数据,构建BP神经网络根区温度预测模型。为提高模型精度,采用蜣螂算法（dung beetle optimizer, DBO）优化BP神经网络模型的输入权重和阈值,构建了冬夏两个季节的基于DBO-BP神经网络的栽培槽内根区温度预测模型,并与GA-BP、BP神经网络模型进行对比。结果表明,根区温度预测值与真实值变化趋势较为一致,DBO-BP模型温度预测最大误差为2.21°C,决定系数为0.943,而GA-BP与BP模型决定系数分别为0.928、0.892;DBO-BP模型评价指标的均方根误差、平均绝对误差分别为0.707、0.549°C,均小于其他模型评价指标。DBO-BP神经网络可满足在NFT栽培中根区温度预测精度的需求,能够为生菜栽培根区快速控温提供有效方法。     

Accuracy of seven vapour intrusion algorithms for VOC in groundwater

Background, aim and scope  During the last decade, soil contamination with volatile organic contaminants (VOC) received special attention because of their potential to cause indoor air problems. Moreover, research has shown that people spend 64% to 94% of there time indoors; therefore, the indoor air quality is of a primary importance for exposure to VOC. Human health risks to VOC—in cases of soil contamination—are often dominated by the exposure route ‘inhalation of indoor air’. Exposure is often a result of vapour transport from the soil or groundwater to the indoor air of the building. Within human health risk assessments, a variety of algorithms are available that calculate transfer of soil gas to the indoor air. These algorithms suffer from a relatively high uncertainty due to a lack of representation of spatial and temporal variability. For such an application, these algorithms need to be further verified empirically against field observations so that they can be sufficiently reliable for regulatory purposes. This paper presents the accuracy for seven algorithms by using observed and predicted soil and indoor air concentrations from three sites, where the groundwater had been contaminated with aromatic and chlorinated VOC. Materials and methods  The algorithms for vapour intrusion that are frequently used in European countries were included in this study and were Vlier–Humaan (Flanders), CSoil (Netherlands), VolaSoil (Netherlands), Johnson & Ettinger (USA), Risc (United Kingdom), and the dilution factor (DF) algorithms from Sweden and Norway. Three sites were investigated in more detail and samples were taken synoptically from the groundwater, soil and indoor air on four occasions. On the petroleum sites, the aromatic hydrocarbons benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes were analysed and, on the dry cleaning sites, the chlorinated hydrocarbons tetrachloroethylene, trichloroethylene and cis 1,2-dichloroethene. To increase spatial resolution, measurements in groundwater and soil air were taken in three different zones at each site, in the close proximity of or in the building. During sampling, several relevant soil properties were measured like the bulk density, water and air filled porosity, soil temperature and depth of the groundwater. Also, building properties like the dimensions of the building and the quality of the floor were registered. The seven algorithms were applied to compare that observed with the predicted concentrations in soil and indoor air. The groundwater concentrations were used as a source contamination. The results from the algorithms were compared by using performance criteria to assess the accuracy of each algorithm. Results  All calculations are presented in a box plot that contains the predicted soil or indoor air versus the observed concentrations. Results from the applied criteria are presented for each algorithm. Discussion  Differences between predictions and observations were up to three orders of magnitude and can be partially related to the amount of parameters included in each algorithm and the mathematical concept used. For example, the inclusion or exclusion of a capillary fringe or temperature correction for the Henry constant: it is not clear why all algorithms tend to over-predict the soil air concentration. The prediction mostly starts with the calculation of a soil air concentration related to the Henry constant, followed by diffusive and/or convective transport to the soil surface and zone of influence around the building foundation. Further research is needed to investigate the over-predictions and the use of the Henry constant to calculate the soil air concentration should be reviewed. Conclusions  The algorithms with the highest accuracy were the Johnson and Ettinger and the Vlier–Humaan algorithms. The DF algorithms from Sweden and Norway resulted in higher over- and underpredictions than others. Results for the indoor air showed that all the algorithms calculate high and low concentrations in the indoor air when compared to observations. The algorithms with the highest accuracy were JEM, Vlier–Humaan and CSoil. The DF algorithm from Norway calculated concentrations that were frequently higher than observed concentrations and the Swedish DF algorithm showed frequent higher and lower concentration than observed. The conservatism of the most accurate algorithms is sufficient for regulatory purposes, and they can trigger an integrated programme of field observations (monitoring) or/and modelling. Recommendations and perspectives  The dataset used for this paper was derived from three sites with groundwater contamination and further verification of these algorithms should be done for other sites that have a vadose zone contamination.     

Non-thermal Plasma as an Innovative Option for the Abatement of Volatile Organic Compounds: a Review

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) cause global and local impacts, resulting in environmental, health, and economic adverse effects. Industrial and waste management activities are the main anthropogenic stationary sources of VOCs in the atmosphere. The traditional technologies for the treatment of VOC-contaminated air present several limitations when treating effluents with low VOC concentrations, high airflow rate, and with compounds with low solubility in water. However, a novel technology, based on non-thermal plasmas (NTPs) and catalysis, has shown promising results in air purification. In this framework, after an initial overview on NTP-catalysis principles, this review presents and discusses 20 recent papers, with a threefold purpose: evaluating the most recent applications of NTP and NTP-catalysis reactors to the treatment of air-VOC mixtures, analyzing all the parameters that may influence the abatement efficiency and the by-product formation, and providing the reader with insights into the choice of the preferable configurations to use, based on the effluent type and the destination of the treated air. As a result of this review, NTPs may represent a promising option for indoor air treatment, especially because of the lower expected byproduct formation when treating low-concentrated VOC mixtures with relatively low air flow rates. If the target is the abatement of higher VOC concentrations, the higher energy efficiency obtainable in such conditions makes NTP-catalysis a cost-effective option for industrial applications. In addition, the formation of simpler and more soluble by-products makes NTPs a suitable technology for air pretreatment upstream of water-based removal technologies, such as absorption columns and biofilters.     

Volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from soil and litter samples

The production of nonmethane volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by soil microbes is likely to have an important influence on soil ecology and terrestrial biogeochemistry. However, soil VOC production has received relatively little attention, and we do not know how the emissions of microbially-produced VOCs vary across soil and litter types. We collected 40 root-free soil and litter samples from a diverse array of ecosystem types and conducted laboratory incubations in order to compare the types and quantities of VOCs emitted. VOC production rates were higher in litter samples than in soil samples, and the rates were correlated with microbial biomass and CO₂ production levels. On average, the litter samples produced more types of VOCs than the soil samples with litters emitting a number of VOCs (including terpenoids) that were not generally emitted from the soil samples. Across all of the samples, we identified 100 VOCs, and more than 70% of these compounds could not be positively identified by GC/MS analyses. Of those VOCs that could be identified, furfural and similar furan compounds were noteworthy in that they were emitted in large amounts from nearly every sample examined. Other identifiable VOCs produced across a range of soil and litter samples included propanoic and butanoic acids, which are known products of microbial fermentation. Together these results suggest a need for additional research examining the specific factors influencing VOC emissions from soil and the identification of specific VOCs emitted from soil and litter as many of these compounds are likely to have important effects on belowground ecology.     

A Pilot-Scale Evaluation of Greenroof Runoff Retention, Detention, and Quality

The aggregate potential health impact due to ambient volatile organic compounds on the population living in the area nearby the petrochemical industrial complex in Thailand was evaluated using measured air contaminants concentration. Airborne volatile organic compounds were collected using canisters and were analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrophotometer following the US.EPA TO 15 procedure. Composite samples taken over a 24-h period were collected monthly. Concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were analyzed for a suite of 24 compounds covering both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic substances. Results were determined and analyzed in order to evaluate their spatial variability and their potential health risk. Comparison of data from each monitoring site indicated that patterns of VOCs across sites were different from their major species and their concentrations which might be influenced by nearest potential emission sources. Carcinogenic VOCs such as benzene, 1,3butadiene, and 1,2 dichloroethane were found to be higher than their annual national standards. A potential cancer risk map was drawn based on benzene concentration in order to illustrate the zone of impact and the number in the population likely to be exposed. Results indicated that 82% of the total area, and 89.6% of the total population were within the impact area. It was suspected that high concentrations of benzene and 1,3 butadiene might be attributed by both the mobile source and the point source of emissions while 1,2 dichloroethane was suspected to be emitted from factories located upwind from the monitoring sites. Hazard quotients and hazard indexes were applied to determine chronic health effects with non-cancer endpoints. Calculated values of hazard indexes for each of the target organ systems were lower than 1, which indicated that the non-cancer chronic risk due to level of volatile organic compounds in the study area was less.     

Indoor Aerosol Particle Deposition in an Empty Office

The size- and time-resolved indoor/outdoor aerosol concentration relationships were studied experimentally in an empty office without internal particle sources. Two Scanning Mobility Particle Sizers (SMPS) and an Aerodynamic Particle Sizer (APS) sampled alternately from indoor and outdoor, together covering the size range 3–10,000 nm. The results showed that the indoor aerosol concentration depends mainly on the air exchange and deposition rates, and the outdoor concentration. At higher air exchange rates the indoor aerosol concentration approaches the outdoor one. This was observed for the accumulation mode particles. The size-dependent deposition rates were estimated using a simple aerosol dynamics experiment. It was based on equilibration of the indoor/outdoor concentrations by opening windows and analyzing the concentration decay curves after the windows were closed. For this purpose a simple mass balance model was used. The overall loss rate and the asymptotic value of indoor concentration were found by applying a non-linear least squares method on the time dependence of the indoor concentrations. The air exchange rate was estimated from the overall loss rate and the steady state values of the indoor/outdoor concentration of the accumulation mode particles.     

The Effect of Aluminium on the Planarian Polycelis felina (Daly.)

Water, Air, & Soil Pollution - The relative contribution of the main mechanisms that control indoor air quality in residential flats was examined. Indoor and outdoor concentration measurements...     

猪粪好氧发酵过程中挥发性有机物组分分析及致臭因子的确定

为了控制猪粪好氧发酵中产生的挥发性有机物(volatile organic compounds)及主要致臭物质,开展了猪粪好氧发酵试验,通过连续监测猪粪好氧发酵过程中所排放的挥发性气体,研究猪粪好氧发酵中产生的VOCs组分及其致臭因子。研究表明,在猪粪好氧发酵过程中共产生33种挥发性物质,除氨气和硫化氢外,共有31种VOCs,包括芳香烃12种,醛类8种,硫醇硫醚类4种,卤代烃4种,酮类2种,胺类1种;猪粪好氧发酵中主要致臭物质为:二甲二硫、甲硫醚、二甲三硫、乙醛和硫化氢,并建议将甲硫醚作为猪粪好氧发酵中产生的恶臭污染指示物。该研究可为猪粪堆肥过程中恶臭物质的监测、制定控制策略提供参考。     

Photolysis, Sonolysis, and Photosonolysis of Trichloroethane (TCA), Trichloroethylene (TCE), and Tetrachloroethylene (PCE) Without Catalyst

Photolysis, sonolysis, and photosonolysis of common groundwater contaminants, namely 1,1,1-trichloroethane, trichloroethylene, and tetrachloroethylene, were investigated using a flow-through photosono reactor system. Simulated groundwater containing the chlorinated volatile organic compounds (VOCs) was exposed to ultraviolet light (UV), ultrasonication (US), and UV and US concurrently (UVUS), without a photo catalyst. VOC removal efficiencies of the UV, US, and UVUS treatment processes were computed from the VOC concentrations in influent and effluent of the reactor. The process using UVUS exhibited larger degradation efficiencies than that with UV and US separately in most cases; however, statistical analysis showed that the UVUS treatment efficiency is likely to be additive of the UV and US treatment efficiencies. The results also showed that the increase of the detention time from 26 to 60 min had no significant effect on the VOC removal efficiencies in these processes.     

Theoretical Analysis on the Removal of Cyclic Volatile Organic Compounds by Non-thermal Plasma

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from anthropogenic sources, especially cyclic organics with stable structure and strong toxicity (e.g., cyclohexane and benzene), exert hazards to atmospheric environment and human health, and need to be controlled urgently. As an emerging technology for VOC removal, non-thermal plasma (NTP) with low-energy consumption and high removal efficiency is widely studied. However, in contrary to the abundant experiments, theoretical studies are only few, and the degradation mechanisms and pathways of VOCs are still open questions, which hinders the effective VOC removal. Herein, the density function theory (DFT) calculations of NTP degradations for two typical cyclic organics, cyclohexane and benzene, are performed. The degradations of cyclic organics are mainly resulted by the dehydrogenation, decarburation, elimination, and ring-opening reactions and can be markedly promoted with radical ·OH, H·, and O· produced by background gas (H2O and O2). For cyclohexane degradations, the presence of O· decreases the energy barrier from 81.9 to 8.7 kcal/mol in the initial step, leading to an optimal degradation pathway with minimum plasma energy at around 0.5 eV. For benzene degradations, the presence of ·OH decreases the energy barrier from 118.4 to 5.5 kcal/mol in the initial step, triggering an optimal degradation pathway with minimum plasma energy at around 6 eV. The higher plasma energy required in degradation of benzene is due to its more stable structure than alkanes ring. Moreover, the O₂ concentration and plasma energy are suggested to increase for efficient degradation of cyclohexane and benzene, respectively.     

Monitoring and Analysis of Volatile Organic Compounds Around an Oil Refinery

Valle Galeria, a location in the outskirts of Rome, was selected as a case study to assess the pollution release from the industrial facilities operating in this area. For this purpose, an intensive field campaign was conducted during summer, where volatile organic compounds VOC (including benzene, toluene and xylenes) were sampled and analyzed at two different sites. A strong modulation of VOC concentrations was observed between daytime and nighttime, and alkane fraction was found to be the most abundant group, indicating the oil refinery as the major source of atmospheric hydrocarbons. Surface turbulence and upper air SODAR data were processed to investigate the relationships between meteorology and VOC levels and patterns. Atmospheric turbulence was found to be responsible for the daily modulation of VOC. In particular, the highest BTX pollution episode observed during nighttime was found to be correlated with a very strong atmospheric stability and a surface based inversion layer. The analysis of BTX ratios resulted effective in recognizing the relationship between the pollutants and their co-variance, as well as the dispersion and reaction patterns occurring during the transport across the two sites.