Abstract
One hundred and thirteen samples were analyzed for peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN) taken in the lower atmosphere of Athens, Greece, from February to November 1985. The ambient air samples were collected daily by cryotrapping in the time interval of maximum photochemical activity between 12:30 and 13:30 LST on the hill of Lycabetos (250 m) in central Athens. The highest recorded PAN value was 3.7 ppbv and the overall mean 0.65 ppb. No seasonal variation of the PAN concentrations was observed in agreement with the lack of correlation between PAN and total solar radiation. The correlation of PAN with NO 2 was generally low. The correlation however between PAN and the maximum daily O 3 values was good, particularly when only the data associated with southwesterly wind direction were considered. The main factor that controls the PAN levels is wind direction. Over 80% of the PAN concentrations > 1 ppb are associated with southwesterly winds of the sea breeze from the Saronikos Bay, characterized by low wind velocities.
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