Advances in Science and Research
www.adv-sci-res.net
1992-0628
1992-0636
3
8th EMS Annual Meeting and 7th European Conference on Applied Climatology 2008
2009
10.5194/asr-3-59-2009
http://www.adv-sci-res.net/3/59/2009/
http://www.adv-sci-res.net/3/59/2009/asr-3-59-2009.html
http://www.adv-sci-res.net/3/59/2009/asr-3-59-2009.pdf
59
62
2009-04-27
Spatial distribution of PM<sub>1</sub> and PM<sub>10</sub> during Saharan dust episodes in Athens, Greece
K. N. Grigoropoulos
P. T. Nastos
nastos@geol.uoa.gr
G. Ferentinos
Department of Geology and Environment, University of Patras, 26500, Patras, Greece
Laboratory of Climatology and Atmospheric Environment, University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, 15784, Athens, Greece
The objective of this study is to present and analyse the spatial
distribution of PM<sub>1</sub> (particulate matter with diameter less than 1 μm)
and PM<sub>10</sub> (particulate matter with diameter less than 10 μm)
within the greater area of Athens (GAA), Greece, during two extreme Saharan
dust episodes in 2006 and 2008. Two portable detectors, based on light
scattering method, were used to record the particulate matter
concentrations. The samples were collected in the same morning hour of the
day which coincided with the peak of vehicles traffic. We analysed the
recorded data on normal days and on days with extreme Saharan dust events in
order to find out the exceedances of the particulate matter concentrations.
Using Kriging method, the spatial patterns of PM<sub>1</sub> and PM<sub>10</sub>
concentrations were constructed for GAA. It is already known that
particulate matter represent the main hazard in cardiovascular and
respiratory syndromes within the most polluted cities of Europe, which
confront high traffic problems, amplified by Saharan dust episodes, which
are frequent especially in the Southern Europe, during spring time. The
results of the performed analysis showed that during these episodes, PM
concentrations over exceed the thresholds set by the European Union,
exacerbating the human health in Athens.
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