Removal efficiencies of emissions of volatile organic compounds by adsorption systems installed in small-scale auto-repair painting operations

In this study, three auto-repair shops (one with an old and two with new air pollutant adsorption systems) in Seoul were selected to evaluate their removal efficiencies with respect to THC and VOCs during painting and drying operations. Results show that the THC removal efficiencies were −41.3–35.4% and 17.2–59.2% for the old and new adsorption systems, respectively. The removal efficiencies of the top five VOC species such as butyl acetate, toluene, 1,2,3-trimethylbenzene, m-, p-xylene, and ethylbenzene were positive (+) and negative (−) for the new and old adsorption syste ms, respectively. These results provide a theoretical basis that endorses the government support policy for the removal of air pollutants from the emissions of small businesses that are not well managed, such as auto-repair painting, printing, and dry cleaning.
Source: Air Quality, Atmosphere and Health - Category: Environmental Health Source Type: research