PM10-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the Greater Area of Athens, Greece

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) associated to ambient PM10 were determined at four sites within the Greater Athens Area (GAA), Greece, during the period May 2001–June 2002. Daily average PM10 samples were collected using reference samplers installed in two urban locations (Maroussi, MAR and Aristotelous, ARI), a mixed urban–industrial location (Elefsina, ELE), and a background location (Thracomacedones, THR). Spatial and temporal variation of ambient PAH levels and possible relationships with conventional air pollutants and meteorological parameters were investigated. Moreover, source identification was attempted using diagnostic ratios. The PAH concentrations observed in this study, even in downtown Athens, were towards the lowest end of the range of values reported for other European urban locations. The mean concentration of the well known carcinogen B[α]Py was at all four sites below the proposed value of 1 ng m−3 (annual average assessment threshold). Automobile traffic was identified as the major PAH source in the GAA exhibiting greatest contribution in the urban sites.