Title: Statistical characteristics of ozone and PM10 levels in a medium-sized Mediterranean city

Authors: Dimitris K. Papanastasiou, Dimitris Melas

Addresses: Laboratory of Atmospheric Physics, Department of Applied and Environmental Physics, School of Physics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Campus Box 149, Thessaloniki 54124, Greece. ' Laboratory of Atmospheric Physics, Department of Applied and Environmental Physics, School of Physics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Campus Box 149, Thessaloniki 54124, Greece

Abstract: A statistical analysis of ozone and PM10 concentration levels in the area of Volos, a medium-sized Greek coastal city, was carried out for the period 2001-2003. The data analysis revealed that the Daily Maximum Hourly (DMH) value of ozone concentration reaches a maximum of 160 µg/m³ during summer; it is observed during afternoon hours and is associated usually with winds from southern directions. This is attributed to the impact of the sea breeze on pollution levels. Concerning PM10 concentration, it was found that its DMH values are quite high and that its Daily Average (DA) value exceeds the limit value of 50 µg/m³ for approximately 38% of the days. The daily cycle shows two maxima (morning-evening) and in these cases the wind is typically from north-northwest directions. The weekly and seasonal variance of DA values of PM10 concentration is not very significant.

Keywords: air pollution; ozone concentration; PM10; Volos; Greece; air quality.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEP.2009.021821

International Journal of Environment and Pollution, 2009 Vol.36 No.1/2/3, pp.127 - 138

Published online: 05 Dec 2008 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article