A mathematical model for predicting 24-h variations of BTEX concentrations in ambient air of Tehran

 In this study, the temporal variations of Benzene, Toluene, Ethyl benzene and Xylene (BTEX) in the atmosphere of Tehran city was investigated. 

 Two air quality monitoring stations, Aghdasieh and Ray, in different locations of the city were selected. Sampling was carried out hourly from Nov 23, 2007 to Dec 22, 2007 in Aghdasieh air monitoring station and from Dec 10, 2007 to Jan 9, 2008, in Ray's air monitoring station by an online BTEX monitoring system. The correlations, repeated measures variance and regressions tests were used for statistical analysis. 

 Results indicated that, concentrations of these compounds were sometimes higher than standard limits and were significantly different in selected stations. However, an approximately similar increasing and decreasing trend was seen among them. In most cases, equations for concentration variations were sinusoidal or fourth-order. 

 According to the results, sinusoidal and fourth-order are most suitable equations for BTEX concentration variations in the ambient air of the city, and the trends of variations are similar in different places of the city.