Particle-associated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons near power plants as determined by large volume injection--GC/MS.

PM(10) and PM(2.5) samples were collected at two locations in the heavy industrialized prefecture of Kozani, in North-western Greece; in the open-cast mines of Klitos area and in the urban area of city of Kozani. The samples were collected by the use of low volume samplers, for a period of 1 year every 6 d. An analytical method has been adapted for determining 16 particle-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in PM(10) and PM(2.5). Samples were collected on poly-tetra-fluorinated-ethylene (PTFE) filters using low volume samplers, considered to be ideal for trapping various organic pollutants including PAHs. The extraction has been made in two stages. Firstly, by reflux and then by using ultrasound bath. Chromatographic analysis has been carried out by GC/MS with programmable temperature vaporizers (PTV) injector and large volume injection (LVI) technique. Mean daily concentrations of B[a]Py in PM(10)-bound particles were 0.57 ng m(-3) in Kozani and 0.58 ng m(-3) at Klitos, while in PM(2.5)-bound PAHs were 0.35 ng m(-3) and 0.30 ng m(-3) respectively. We were able to verify the sources of PAHs by the use of diagnostic ratios, which indicate oil or/and coal burning as the, possible, major PAHs pollutant source(s).

Particulate matter over a seven year period in urban and rural areas within, proximal and far from mining and power station operations in Greece.

Lignite mining operations and lignite-fired power stations result in major particulate pollution (fly ash and fugitive dust) problems in the areas surrounding these activities. The problem is more complicated, especially, for urban areas located not far from these activities, due to additional contribution from the urban pollution sources. Knowledge of the distribution of airborne particulate matter into size fraction has become an increasing area of focus when examining the effects of particulate pollution. On the other hand, airborne particle concentration measurements are useful in order to assess the air pollution levels based on national and international air quality standards. These measurements are also necessary for developing air pollutants control strategies or for evaluating the effectiveness of these strategies, especially, for long periods. In this study an attempt is made in order to investigate the particle size distribution of fly ash and fugitive dust in a heavy industrialized (mining and power stations operations) area with complex terrain in the northwestern part of Greece. Parallel total suspended particulates (TSP) and particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than 10 microm (PM10) concentrations are analyzed. These measurements gathered from thirteen monitoring stations located in the greater area of interest. Spatial, temporal variation and trend are analyzed over the last seven years. Furthermore, the geographical variation of PM10 - TSP correlation and PM10/TSP ratio are investigated and compared to those in the literature. The analysis has indicated that a complex system of sources and meteorological conditions modulate the particulate pollution of the examined area.

Design of a web-based information system for ambient environmental data.

The development of a new web-based information dissemination system in West Macedonia in Greece is described. The system has been developed for online use, giving the concentrations of PM10, PM2.5, SO(2), NO(X), O(3), CO, as well as meteorological data (temperature, humidity, solar radiation, wind speed and direction). The European air quality limits for each measured pollutant are also provided for comparison together with the calculated Air quality index (AQI) that is displayed on a color based scale showing the various categories. Based on the temperature and humidity values the discomfort index is also calculated and is displayed descriptively. For more accurate estimation of the AQI, a surrogate method for estimating AQI is also used to assess air quality conditions at a given time. Four cities are dealt with by the system, the capitals of the prefectures of West Macedonia, with five locations specifically covered. The system of assessing the status of air quality has been developed and designed in a format understandable by the public and managers, and will aid the understanding of the relevant issues. The URL of the website is .