Levels and trend of suspended particles around large lignite power stations

The results of a 16 year long sampling program in a heavily industrialized area of NW Greece are presented and analyzed. Four lignite power stations are operated in this area, which account for about 70% of the total electrical energy produced in Greece. Ambient concentrations of Total Suspended Particles (TSP) over much of the period 1983-1998 as well as of particles of less than 10 microm aerodynamic diameter (PM10) for three years were measured. Emphasis is given on the assessment of the levels of the daily average concentrations for the data period as well as the determination of the spatial and temporal variation of suspended particle concentrations. Based on the data analysis, useful information is provided about air quality levels after taking into account air quality standards. The interannual concentrations trend is also investigated and an attempt is made to examine the effectiveness of antipolluting procedures, which have occasionally been implemented in this industrial area. Finally the results are compared to those in the literature.