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.

Atmospheric stability and PM10 concentrations at far distance from elevated point sources in complex terrain: worst-case episode study.

Atmospheric stability is the most important parameter affecting dilution of air pollutants. It plays a very important role in the investigation of parameters that affect ambient pollutant concentrations, especially in the case of complex terrain areas. In this study, the classification of atmospheric stability by Pasquill-Turner classes and any associated variation of ambient PM10 (particles with aerodynamic diameter<10 microm) concentrations for a region of complex terrain is investigated. Real experimental meteorological and PM10 data are used for a 2-year period from one observation station far distant from the main stack sources and they are related with the classified atmospheric stability categories in an hourly and monthly based distribution. A more detailed analysis is carried out during PM10 episodes for the same period in order to reveal the governing worst-case atmospheric conditions.

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 .

Aspects of atmospheric flow and dispersion of air pollutants in a mountainous basin.

The variety of physicogeographic characteristics, the complex topography and channeling of the synoptic/regional flow are among the main reasons for the formulation of local flow patterns, and consequently for the dispersion conditions in a mountainous area. In this paper, an attempt is made to investigate the mechanisms responsible for these phenomena and to explain the dispersion of air pollutants in a mountainous basin, especially the impingement of plumes released by elevated stacks. A coupled atmospheric and Lagrangian dispersion model was used for the analysis. As it was found significant, mesoscale circulation, such as lake effects in mountainous terrain, up/downslope and valley winds, was calculated. It was proved that the plume impingement, along with pollutant recirculation, could explain the nighttime maximum air-pollutant concentrations measured in the city of Kozani.

PM10 pollution episodes as a function of synoptic climatology in a mountainous industrial area.

In this study an attempt is made to investigate the prevailing meteorological conditions during days with high concentrations of PM10 (particles with diameter < 10 microns), collected in the Eordea mountain basin. This is an industrial area in the northwestern mountainous region of Greece. Over the 4-year data-gathering period, the days in which the United States Environmental Protection Agency 24-h PM10 standard was exceeded (episode days), were identified in relation to prevailing synoptic scale and local meteorological conditions. The results indicated that days with increased PM10 concentrations in this area can be grouped into four categories in relation to their synoptic circulation characteristics. The highest concentrations were found to be associated with stagnant conditions. Under these conditions, local circulations developed in the area, resulting in recirculation and accumulation of pollutants.

Patterns and concentrations of PM10 in a mountainous basin region.

In this study, continuous data of PM10 (particles with aerodynamic diameter < 10 microns) concentration measurements for a 4-yr period were analyzed. These measurements have been carried out in the Eordea Basin, an industrial area in the northwestern mountainous region of Greece. The annual, monthly, and diurnal patterns are presented and investigated regarding the prevailing meteorological conditions and atmospheric processes that affect the ambient concentrations of PM10. The effect of wind on controlling PM10 concentration is also discussed. Based on the data analysis, an attempt is made to provide useful information about air quality levels, taking into account U.S. Environmental Protection Agency air quality standards.

Papillary syringadenoma of the lower lip: report of a case.

A case of papillary syringadenoma that was located on the right side of the vermilion border of the lower lip in a 24-year-old man is described. The neoplastic epithelium showed two types of carbohydrate with variable topographical distribution and histochemical reaction. The cystic tumor areas showed subepithelial accumulations of mucopolysaccharides, probably related to topical collagen degradation.

Chondroid syringoma of the upper lip: report of a case.

The case of a 38-year-old white man with a chondroid syringoma in the left side of the upper lip is reported. Histochemical study of the lesion showed that the morphologic distributions of the neutral mucosubstances, sulfated acid mucopolysaccharides, and elastic fibers in the reported case were similar to those of mixed salivary gland tumor. The recently reported ultrastructural and immunohistochemical features of chondroid syringoma are also discussed in an effort to clarify its histogenesis.