PM₁₀ and PM₂.₅ Levels in the Eastern Mediterranean (Akrotiri Research Station, Crete, Greece)

Lazaridis, M.; Dzumbova, L.; Kopanakis, I.; Ondracek, J.; Glytsos, T.; Aleksandropoulou, V.; Voulgarakis, A.; Katsivela, E.; Mihalopoulos, N.; Eleftheriadis, K.

PM₁₀ and PM₂.₅ Levels in the Eastern Mediterranean (Akrotiri Research Station, Crete, Greece)

2008

Particulate matter measurements (PM₁₀, PM₂.₅) using a beta radiation attenuation monitor were performed at the Akrotiri research station (May 2003-March 2006) on the island of Crete (Greece). The mean PM₁₀ concentration during the measuring period (05/02/03-03/09/04) was equal to 35.0 ± 17.7 μg/m³ whereas the mean PM₂.₅ concentration (03/10/04-04/02/06) was equal to 25.4 ± 16.5 μg/m³. The aerosol concentration at the Akrotiri station shows a large variability during the year. Mean concentrations of particulate matter undergo a seasonal change characterised by higher concentrations during summer [PM₁₀, 38.7 ± 10.8 μg/m³ (2003); PM₂.₅, 27.9 ± 8.7 μg/m³ (2004) and 27.8 ± 9.7 μg/m³ (2005)] and lower concentrations during winter [PM₁₀, 28.7 ± 22.5 μg/m³ (2003/2004); PM₂.₅, 21.0 ± 13.0 μg/m³ (2004/2005) and 21.4 ± 21.9 μg/m³ (2005/2006)]. Comparative measurements of the PM₁₀ concentration between the beta radiation attenuation monitor, a standardized low volume gravimetric reference sampler and a low volume sequential particulate sampler showed that PM₁₀ concentrations measured by the beta radiation attenuation monitor were higher than values given by the gravimetric samplers (mean ratio 1.17 ± 0.11 and 1.21 ± 0.08, respectively). Statistical and back trajectory analysis showed that elevated PM concentrations (PM₁₀, 93.8 ± 49.1 μg/m³; PM₂.₅: 102.9 ± 59.9 μg/m³) are associated to desert dust events. In addition regional transport contributes significantly to the aerosol concentration levels whereas low aerosol concentrations were observed during storm episodes.

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