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Analysis of the variability of the concentration of suspended particles (PM10) in the Akrotiri Region. A study of African dust and the influence of local and remote sources

Terzidou Nikoleta

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Summary

The present thesis examined the variability of PM10 (particulate matter with a diameter of up to 10 μm) concentrations during the year 2023 (excluding August and September), as recorded at the Akrotiri monitoring station which is located at Chania. The objective was to study the influence of local and regional sources to PM10 concentrations. Particular emphasis was given to the identification and study of days with dust transport from the Sahara Desert, and their contribution to PM10 concentrations.PM10 concentrations were measured online, with data recorded every 15 minutes throughout the sampling period, using the Synchronized Hybrid Ambient Real-time Particulate (SHARP) Monitor. To identify dust episodes, the HYSPLIT model was employed, along with satellite images from NASA. Meteorological parameters at the Akrotiri station were recorded every 10 minutes using a 4034BG wind speed sensor, a 4122BG wind direction sensor, and a 3030 BG combined temperature/humidity sensor.The average daily PM10 concentrations during 2023 ranged from 5.8 μg m-3 to 146.6 μg m-3. The highest concentrations were measured on November, due to the frequent dust episodes from the Sahara Desert, while the lowest concentrations were measured on April, when there was no need for domestic heating and the tourist season had not yet started. In total, 43 dust days were recognized in 2023, with only 4 days exceeding the European Union 24-hour legislative limit, and 6 days exceeding the corresponding limit of the World Health Organization. Thus, only 14% of the dusty days corresponded to concentrations higher than the regulatory limits. Furthermore, it appears that for almost all months, there was an increase in concentration levels during the morning hours due to vehicle traffic, with the contribution from vehicle emissions becoming more pronounced during the summer months, when tourism increased. During the winter and autumn months, PM10 concentrations increased in the afternoon and evening, due to low temperatures and the corresponding need for domestic heating.Furthermore, comparison of the average daily PM10 concentrations between 2022 and 2023, has shown that higher concentrations were measured in 2022 compared to 2023. The most significant difference in PM10 levels between the two years corresponded to April, with the median concentration in 2022 being 28.4 μg m-3, while in 2023 it was 12.2 μg m-3. The differences between the two years was primarily attributed to the occurrence of dust episodes.

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