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Particle-bound PAHs and BTEX at selected locations within Vietnam’s northern key economic region
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DOI：10.1007/s11869-026-02026-0.png)
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Abstract
En 中文
This study simultaneously assessed PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) and BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene) focusing on levels, source identification and ozone-forming potential (OFP) in three provinces (Hai Phong, Quang Ninh, Hung Yen) belonging to Vietnam’s Northern Key Economic Region (VNKER). Sampling was done in three types of sites including urban background, residential areas, and traffic. PM10, PM2.5 and VOC were sampled and analyzed according to USEPA standards, and diagnostic ratios were used to identify emission sources. The results showed that Σ16PAHs on PM10 ranged from 2.11–12.26 ng/m3 and on PM2.5 from 0.95–5.71 ng/m3, with the highest levels in Quang Ninh, reflecting the combined influence of traffic, industry, and seaports. 4–6-ring PAH predominated (60–80%), indicating emissions from high-temperature combustion sources. Notably, diagnostic ratios such as Ind/(Ind + BPer) > 0.5 and BaA/(BaA + Chr), ranging from 0.57 to 0.61, indicated the dominance of coal combustion and diesel engine exhaust, consistent with the observed PAH structure. BTEX concentrations varied strongly according to the type of measurement site, with ΣBTEX reaching 19.86–214.54 µg/m3 and benzene exceeding 5 µg/m3 at all monitoring sites. Toluene/Benzene ratio (T/B = 1.25–2.86) and BTEX intra-correlations indicated that transport was the dominant emission source. The OFP of BTEX reached 78.29–898.82 µg/m3, of which xylene and toluene contributed 80–90%. Overall, the combined analysis of PAHs and BTEX provides new insights into atmospheric pollution characteristics in northern Vietnam and emphasizes the need for targeted emission control strategies in rapidly industrializing urban regions.
Keywords:
PAHs
BTEX
Ozone formation potential
Source identification
PAH diagnostic ratios
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