Collaborative Mitigation and Reduction of Volatile Organic Compounds in Industrial Parks: A Machine Learning Approach in China

Volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from industrial parks in eastern China pose significant environmental and health challenges. Key pollutants such as benzene, toluene, and formaldehyde contribute to ozone formation and health risks, yet their monitoring and mitigation in industrial hotspots are difficult due to complex, multi-source emissions. This study explores a collaborative governance framework engaging government, industries, and stakeholders, combined with machine learning (ML) techniques, to enhance VOC emission control in chemical industry parks (e.g., in Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces). We review the VOC pollution problem, including regulatory challenges and the need for multi-stakeholder cooperation in monitoring and mitigation. We then illustrate how ML can improve VOC management: predictive modeling of emissions (using meteorological and production data), anomaly detection in sensor networks to catch abnormal leaks, and optimization of emission reduction strategies. Simulated case examples demonstrate advanced visualizations – a correlation matrix linking production levels and meteorology with VOC concentrations, a heatmap of VOC levels across multiple monitoring sites, and a geospatial concentration map identifying emission hotspots. Results indicate that ML-based predictive models can forecast emission spikes and support proactive measures, while collaborative governance (joint monitoring networks, data sharing, and coordinated enforcement) enables sustained VOC reductions. We discuss how this integrated approach can overcome current monitoring limitations, optimize pollution control (potentially achieving over 20% VOC reductions in one year as observed in a pilot park, and enhance compliance. In conclusion, combining multi-stakeholder governance with machine learning offers a promising pathway to mitigate VOC pollution in industrial parks, supporting China’s goals for cleaner air and healthier communities.