Elemental composition of airborne particulate matter in the multi-impacted urban area of Thessaloniki, Greece

Abstract Ambient concentrations of PM 10 and their elemental composition in the multi-impacted area of Thessaloniki, N. Greece is presented in this study. High concentrations of PM 10 were observed, with 80% exceedances of the proposed daily limit of 50 μg m −3 . The elemental concentrations were similar to the levels observed in moderately polluted urban areas. Spatial and temporal variation of particle mass and elemental concentrations as well as the influence of meteorological conditions were examined. The examined elements were characterised with respect to their origin from natural or anthropogenic emissions on the basis of crustal and marine enrichment factors. Factor analysis of elemental composition pattern and elemental ratios in PM 10 were also used to identify possible pollution source-types.