Seasonal Characteristics and Health Risk Assessment of Anthropogenic Volatile Organic Compounds at a Rural Site in South Korea

Atmospheric volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have attracted increasing attention because of their emissions, secondary organic aerosol formation potential (SOAFP), and human health risks, particularly in Northeastern countries. This study employed gas chromatography to describe anthropogenic VOCs (AVOCs) and their associated potential health risks at a rural site in Seosan, South Korea, during four seasons (winter, summer, spring, and autumn) from 2020 to 2022. The mean concentration of ∑₃₄VOCs was found to be 21.2 ± 26.6 μg/m³, with significant seasonal variation, peaking in autumn at 33.6 ± 40.4 μg/m³. Aromatics dominated the AVOC profile, comprising over 70% of the total, with ∑₁₆aromatics averaging 15.7 ± 20.1 μg/m³. Diurnal patterns showed higher AVOC concentrations at night, which was attributed to a lower planetary boundary layer height. Diagnostic ratios indicated seasonal emission sources: biomass burning and industrial activities in winter and spring, biomass burning in summer, and diverse sources, including solvents and agricultural activities used in autumn. Secondary organic aerosol formation potential (SOAFP) was highest in autumn and summer, contributing significantly to PM_2.5 levels. Benzene and toluene dominated the SOAFP, constituting 78, 85, 73, and 67% in the winter, summer, spring, and autumn, respectively. A Monte Carlo simulation revealed that the carcinogen benzene exceeded the permissible limits (1 × 10^–6), suggesting potential harm to humans. However, the noncancer risks of the seven selected AVOCs remained below the specified limits (hazard quotient [HQ] < 1). This study provides vital insights into the impacts of AVOCs on human health and atmospheric processes in rural areas.