Size distribution and chemical composition of airborne particles at Akrotiri research station, Crete, Greece

Abstract

Particulate matter measurements were performed at the Akrotiri research station on the island of Crete (Greece) using an 8-stages Andersen non-viable impactor. The main purpose of the current work was to measure the ambient levels ofPM10 particulate matter as well as the concentrations of metals and ions in 8 different PM size fractions with aerodynamic diameter cutoff at 9, 5.8, 4.7, 3.3, 2.1, 1.1, 0.7, 0.4 and a back-up filter for particles below 0.4 μm. The meanPM10 concentration during the first sampling period of August 2007 was equal to 28.2 ± 14.0 μg m-3 (10/08/2007 - 26/08/2007), whereas during the second sampling period (09/07/2008 - 16/07/2008) was 40.2 ± 16.9 μg m-3. Moreover, mean concentrations of PM2.1 particulate matter were measured on the average equal to a 41.0 % and 37.2 % ofPM10, respectively for the two corresponding sampling periods. The measurements showed high concentration of fine particles (with aerodynamic diameter less than 0.9 μm), whereas the mass concentration peak was located at an aerodynamic diameter close to 4 - 5 μm. Sulphate was the most abundant anionPM10, whereas sea production ions, such as chlorine, sodium and nitrate, were also in elevated concentrations presented. In addition, the crustal element Fe was in higher concentrations in comparison to the measured heavy metals. Copyright © 2010 Global NEST.