PM10 mass concentration characteristics in a coastal mediterranean site: a yearly study of seasonality and sources with short term elemental analysis

PM10 mass concentrations were measured online for one year at the Akrotiri monitoring station in Chania (Greece). PM10 concentrations ranged from 7.3 to 287.5 µg m− 3 with highest concentrations measured in April, due to intense dust episodes. Overall, a total of 50 events days were identified with most episodes taking place during the first semester of the year. The majority of PM10 exceedances (80%), using the World Health Organization air quality guidelines (45 µg m−3), were mainly due to dust episodes and secondarily due to anthropogenic activities. 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. Gravimetric sampling of PM10 for one month has verified previous observations at the study site. Particularly, PM10 particles were enriched withNa, Cl and Br when windblown arrived from the sea whilst crustal elements such as Mg, Si, Ca, K and Al, were significantly increased during dust episodes. On the other hand, heavy metals such as V and Ni were linked with shipping activities from the nearby port Zn was associated with non-exhaust vehicle emissions and Pb with engine related sources. PM10 levels have exhibited significant diurnal and seasonal variations. Elemental analysis revealed the influence of sea salt, anthropogenic emissions and dust resuspension. Major anthropogenic sources were vehicular traffic, domestic heating and shipping activities.