Comparison Analysis of the Effect of High and Low Port Activity Seasons on Air Quality in the Port of Heraklion

Abstract

Emissions from port operation and shipping have a significant impact on climate risk, affecting the environment and human health in coastal regions (UNEP). The port of Heraklion, located on the island of Crete over the eastern Mediterranean, plays a key role in the sustainability of Southeast Europe. The impact on its operation affects the socio-economic life and development of the region because Heraklion is not just a tourist destination but also a significant trade and transportation center for the eastern Mediterranean. This study investigates the impact of port operation on the air quality of Heraklion between two representative periods. The first, which is considered as the high port activity season, was from 02 August 2018 to 08 August 2018, while the second period was between 11 May 2018 and 16 May 2018. For the air quality measurements, a low-cost sensor was used, while the recordings were initially compared and finally evaluated based on the available data of the monitoring station of the Ministry of Environment and Energy. To investigate the air quality differences between the two studied periods, the correlation analysis, the hourly evolution of pollutants, and the mean differences between high and low periods for gaseous pollutants and particulate matter are studied. Moreover, the effect of meteorology on air quality is investigated. The results indicate that the high season is characterized by significantly higher concentrations of pollutants compared to the other period. In both seasons studied, the air pollution level increases during hours of high port-activity, indicating the impact of port activity on air quality in Heraklion. The analysis shows that meteorology affects the air quality. In particular, strong wind speeds are associated with lower concentrations of gaseous pollutants other than ozone, which is affected by atmospheric circulation. Finally, the analysis emphasizes the importance of further investigation of the impact of port operations on coastal air quality in the context of sustainable development.

A Comparative Case Analysis of Meteorological and Air Pollution Parameters between a High and Low Port Activity Period in Igoumenitsa Port

“…In particular, the increased concentration of pollutants in the atmosphere affects the weather and climate [11], producing positive climate forcing and enhancing the climate risk. The atmospheric circulation is also a significant factor that affects the air quality [2,7]. The transfer and transformation of pollutants from Europe as well as the mineral dust from North Africa affect the pollution levels of the southeastern Mediterranean [12].…”

“…Results from MERRA-2 model version 2 (M2T1NXAER v5.12.4), available from the Giovanni online data system generated by NASA Goddard Earth Sciences (GES) Data and Information Services Center (DISC) [14], are also included in the analysis. Finally, the PM 2.5 /PM 10 ratio (R PM ) is usually used to characterize the origin of pollutants (the anthropogenic or natural sources) [2,15]. In order to investigate the impact of shipping traffic and port operations (anthropogenic activities) in the port of Igoumenitsa, the R PM is calculated for both case seasons (HS and LS).…”

“…2022, 4, x FOR PEER REVIEW 3 of 6 in the analysis. Finally, the PM2.5/PM10 ratio (𝑅 𝑃𝑀 ) is usually used to characterize the origin of pollutants (the anthropogenic or natural sources) [2,15]. In order to investigate the impact of shipping traffic and port operations (anthropogenic activities) in the port of Igoumenitsa, the 𝑅 𝑃𝑀 is calculated for both case seasons (HS and LS).…”

“…The port activities and shipping are a major source of pollutants for the coastal areas, affecting not only air quality and its degradation [1,2] but also human health [3,4]. Although the port-related pollutants are not the dominant source of marine pollution, they are related to health problems and have an impact on mortality levels [5,6].…”

“…The atmospheric circulation is also a significant factor that affects the air quality [2,7]. The transfer and transformation of pollutants from Europe as well as the mineral dust from North Africa affect the pollution levels of the southeastern Mediterranean [12].…”