Abstract
Despite the various reduction policies that have been implemented across Europe in the past few years, Particulate Matter (PM) exceedances continue to be recorded. Therefore, with the principal aim to clarify the complex association between emissions and fine particles levels, this work evaluates the impact of the anthropogenic contribution to the fine PM chemical profile. The fieldwork was conducted during March in 2008 and 2013 and covers the periods before and during the economic recession. The experimental data were analyzed in parallel with the emissions from the Flexible Emission Inventory for Greece and the Greater Athens Area (FEI-GREGAA). The differentiation of the mass closure results’ and the aerosols’ character is also discussed in combination with the calculated PM2.5-Air Quality Indexes. The peak in the PM load and the Particulate Organic Matter (POM) component was recorded in 2013, corresponding to the enhancement of the anthropogenic input. Although the monitoring location is traffic-impacted, the sector of heating, from both wood burning and fossil fuel, proved to be the driving force for the configuration of the obtained PM picture. Especially in 2013, its contribution was two times that of traffic. Finally, the low wind speed values led to the deterioration of the air quality, especially for the sensitive groups.
Highlights
In Europe, atmospheric pollution is responsible for more than 400,000 premature deaths a year, with the largest share to the exposure of fine particulate matter (PM2.5, PM1 ) [1]
Reflecting the changes in the prevailing emission sources, the Particulate Matter (PM) burden appeared to be increased during March of 2013 compared to 2008
In 2013 the participation rate of PM1 in the PM2.5 mass was decreased indicating that the input from the natural sources and mechanical processes (e.g dust resuspension) was significant as well [39]
Summary
In Europe, atmospheric pollution is responsible for more than 400,000 premature deaths a year, with the largest share to the exposure of fine particulate matter (PM2.5 , PM1 ) [1]. Atmosphere 2020, 11, 1121 environments (iii) they have longer periods of suspension (iv) they may be transported over long distances (v) they carry higher concentrations of toxic compounds and (vi) they can absorb larger amounts of semi-volatile compounds [2]. The Particulate Matter (PM) control is a challenging problem, especially in urban areas where large populations are exposed to increased concentration levels [3]. They have simultaneous primary and secondary sources [4] and their toxicity is highly depended on their chemical composition which in turn is linked to the emission sources, the atmospheric chemical processes, and the long range transport effects [5]. Jiang et al [14]
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