Temporal Evolution of Air Pollution Levels in the Wider Industrial Zone of Kavala, East Macedonia and Thrace, Greece

Abstract

The aim of the present research is to examine the temporal evolution of air pollution levels in the wider industrial zone of Kavala region, Northeastern Greece in terms of four major air pollutants: sulfur dioxide (SO 2), hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S), methane (CH 4) and total hydrocarbons (THC). The daily average concentrations of the specific pollutants were recorded for the period 2004-2016 (13 years), in parallel with key meteorological data. Results indicated a slightly increasing trend of concentrations over the years and especially during the period 2010-2013. In all cases the concentrations were below the limits set by the national legislation and alarm values. High values of the ratios average SO2 and H2S concentrations to median SO2 and H2S concentrations indicated few episodes with high concentration levels of SO 2 and H 2 S. The concentration levels measured during warm and cold period and during weekdays and weekends were identical indicating uniform sources within the year.