A meteorological analysis of PM10 episodes at a high altitude city and a low altitude city in central Greece – The impact of wood burning heating devices

Abstract The financial crisis which struck the Greek economy since 2010 has changed significantly the profile of the country's urban particle emissions mainly due to the use of low cost fuels as wood and biomass products for residential heating. This study analyzed daily PM 10 concentration measurements and meteorological observations collected throughout 2016 at two medium sized cities in central Greece: Karpenisi and Lamia, aiming to identify the impact of stoves and fireplaces. PM 10 data were also analyzed along with synoptic conditions and backward air mass trajectories in order to identify atmospheric circulation patterns related to smog episodes in the two cities. Low temperatures were proven to be a key element which was associated with an increment of PM 10 levels in both cities, however more PM 10 episodes were observed in the high altitude city of Karpenisi, due to the more intensive wood burning in residential heating devices. Stagnant anticyclonic conditions during cold seasons were associated with the generation of exceedances of the daily PM 10 limit set by European Union regulations, due to the accumulation of emissions. Dust aerosol intrusions from the Sahara desert were also indicated whilst PM 10 transportation from northern directions through Balkan Peninsula is also possible.