Air quality and management in petroleum refining industry: A review

Among the fossil fuels, petroleum is more valuable to several businesses due to the production of extensive assortments of finished products, making it a pivot natural resource in the development of the world's economic system via energy usage which are 32% for Europe and Asia, Middle East (53%), South and Central America (44%), Africa (41%), and North America (40%). The most apparent air pollution impediments of the petroleum industry are concentrated in its refining segment. Various pollutants are discharged from different phases of the petroleum refining process. This article intends at publicising dispersed information and also close the knowledge gap in the area. It offers an update on processes involved in petroleum refining, air pollution sources, impacts, reviews on findings, and highlights from different scientific reports on air quality and management. It is paramount that establishing as well as imposing environmental protocols in the petroleum refining industry are crucial for controlling air pollution to protect flora and fauna including human beings. Moreso, the ambient air quality should be managed methodically in developing countries where increased energy demands, industrialization, and overpopulation is leading to increased emissions and reduced air value. •Petroleum offers the highest global energy use and economic advancement.•Pollution in the oil industry is highest in the refining sector, thus imposing environmental protocol is crucial.•Petroleum composition, refining, air pollution in the refining industry, sources, impacts, prevention, and mitigation measures are reviewed.