BTEX Emissions in the Logistics of Middle Distillates: Diesel Oil

Besides technological processes; logistics; and the use of petrol and light solvents, which are widely known as pollutants, the sources of BTEX hydrocarbon contributing to air pollution may also include other petroleum products and fuels that feature higher boiling points and that have not yet been associated with this issue. In this study, the contents of benzene; toluene; ethylbenzene; and o-, m-, and p-xylene were evaluated in 25 commercial samples of diesel oils; the gaseous phase in thermodynamic equilibrium with liquid diesel oil at 40 degrees C was then evaluated. Based on the experimental results, it was found that benzene concentration in the gaseous phase is five to more than fifteen times higher than the limits set by regulations for benzene concentration in the air at a work place (1.6 mg/m(3)) and cannot be compared with the limits set by regulations for annual average basal levels of benzene concentration in the air (5 mu g/m(3)). The research revealed that diesel oil is a potential source of environmental contamination from BTEX hydrocarbons, in particular benzene.

Automated summary

In addition to well-known pollutants such as technological processes, logistics, petrol, and light solvents, other petroleum products and fuels with higher boiling points may contribute to air pollution through BTEX hydrocarbons. This study found that commercial diesel oil samples contain benzene and other harmful substances at levels exceeding workplace air regulations, presenting a potential source of environmental contamination.