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Studying dynamics of PM10 particles at Akrotiri station (Chania): seasonal investigation and source origins

Bali Amalia

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Summary

The study of particulate matter is particularly important, as the severity of their effects on human health, materials, flora, fauna and climate is proportional to their physicochemical characteristics, dynamics and emission sources.The objective of this thesis was the study of the concentration of particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter equal to or less than 10 μm (PM10), at the Akrotiri station of Chania, to analyze their variability and determine the sources of origin. The concentration of PM10 was measured using 2 different instruments, the SHARP Monitor and the DIGITEL Aerosol Sampler DPA14. The SHARP Monitor measured the concentration of PM10 on-line, collecting data for the year 2022. Simulations with HYSPLIT model and satellite images helped to identify days with dust episodes. At the same time, filters were placed on the DIGITEL Aerosol Sampler DPA14 instrument whereby 20 samples were collected for 20 days during May 2022. Further processing of the filters for their elemental analysis with an X-Ray Fluorescence analyzer (TRACER 5i, Bruker) led to the identification and quantification of the chemical elements in each sample.The results showed that the concentrations of PM10 ranged from 7.3 to 287.5 μg m-3 with highest concentrations found during April, due to intense dust episodes, while the lowest in December. Overall, a total of 50 days with dust events were identified. Exceedances of the legislative limits of PM10 were mainly due to these dust episodes with a frequency of 80% and secondarily to anthropogenic activities in the area. The observed increased concentrations of PM10 in winter were due to domestic heating, in spring due to frequent and intense dust episodes, in summer due to touristic activities and in autumn due to vehicular traffic and road dust resuspension. Diurnal analysis demonstrated higher concentrations of PM10, during morning and midday on weekdays and during afternoon and evening on weekends, all associated with peak hours.Elemental analysis of the samples showed increased concentrations of Na, Cl, Si, Ca and Al, elements that primarily originate from the marine environment and the Earth's crust. At the same time, Al was found to be a good indicator of the transported dust from North Africa. It was also found that winds blow quite frequently from the sea and the city of Chania towards the Akrotiri station.

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