Determining Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene and Xylenes (BTEX) Concentrations in the Hydrometallurgical Environment of Sarcheshmeh Copper Complex

Abstract

Introduction: Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene and Xylenes (BTEX) are important parts of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) family, which are widely used in many industries. These have been classified as carcinogenic compounds and the neurotoxic effects of BTEX have been reported; so, a screening evaluation of workplace air quality for determining BTEX may seem necessary. Methods: In order to measure the workplace concentrations of BTEX in the hydrometallurgical process, six sampling stations were selected. Volatile organic compounds were analyzed using the method 1501 of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Activated carbon was used for sampling and samples were analyzed by gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID). Results: The highest measured levels were observed for ethylbenzene at sampling station 1 (0.8 ppm). The concentration of benzene in this sampling location was 0.05 ppm. The highest toluene concentration was reported at sampling station 4 (0.15 ppm) and the lowest toluene concentration was 0.02 ppm at sampling station 6. Conclusions: Indoor air quality in workplaces can be affected by the presence of BTEX. The results of measurements of BTEX showed low concentration levels of these compounds in the studied workplace

Keywords

• Benzene
• Toluene
• Ethylbenzene
• Xylene
• Indoor air