Identify benzene pollution, sources of benzene emission and suggest mitigation measures for Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Abstract In Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), benzene concentration was higher than the benzene standard of Vietnam technical regulation for ambient air. However, there is a lack of consideration for benzene sources and mitigation suggestions. This study aims (1) to analyze benzene concentration in HCMC and (2) to calculate benzene emission from primary sources to identify the contribution of benzene from the main sources. Besides, we gave measures to reduce benzene pollution. Our case study is in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), Vietnam. Firstly, we analyzed benzene concentration data from the Department of Environment and Resources. The data included 30 sampling locations in Ho Chi Minh City from familiar pollution sources: traffic (19 locations), industry (4 locations), resident areas (4 locations), and ambient regions (3 locations). Secondly, we used benzene emission results to identify the primary sources. Thirdly, we suggested mitigation measures to reduce the benzene concentration in HCMC. Compared to the National technical regulation of hazardous substances in the ambient air of Vietnam (QCVN 06:2009/BTNMT), the benzene concentration exceeded the Vietnamese standard. Significantly, the traffic had the highest contribution, up to 90% of total benzene emission, followed by industry and residential activity. Our findings gave a comprehensive picture of benzene pollution and the contribution of primary sources. We also suggested ten solutions to reduce benzene concentration in HCMC.The results can help the local government’s decision to focus to the significant sources and reduce the benzene pollution in HCMC.