Assessment of BTEX concentration around fuel station in Eastern Province Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

 The aim of this study is to determine the benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) concentration levels in and around the fuel station and its harmful health effects in the city of Dammam and Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia. 

 Forty fuel-dispensing facilities were randomly selected on the basis of three different areas: residential, traffic intersection, and petrol pump locations (refueling stations). Samples were collected using coconut shell charcoal cartridges, and the portable ambient analyzer was used for measuring BTEX concentration. 

 Results shows that the average concentration of BTEX levels around fuel stations was 10.30, 4.09, and 2.47 ppm, respectively. All mean concentration values of BTEX around residential, traffic intersection, and fuel stations are exceeding the limits of air quality standards values (P < 0.01). The mean concentration of BTEX around the residential area, side street, and direct street was as follows: benzene 8, 12.2, and 11.5 ppm; toluene 2.5, 5.95, and 3.37 ppm; and xylene 2, 2.13, and 2.7 ppm. Hazard quotient was >1, which showed that carcinogenic probability has increased those exposed to this toxic chemical. 

 Values for BTEX were greater than those found in the neighboring residential area of the city and even 100 m away from the fuel station which can have a negative impact on the health of several residences. The environmental contamination associated with BTEX in petrol fuel stations impulses the necessity of preventive programs to reduce further air quality deterioration and reduce the harmful health effects.