On the degradation of air quality due to SO2 and PM10 in the Eordea Basin,Greece

In this study an attempt is made to analyse meteorological and air quality observations obtained in the Eordea Basin, Northern Greece, during the peri od 1991-1993. During this period 118 episode-days being characterised by in creased SO2 and/or PM10 concentrations were identified. The increased SO2 a nd PM10 concentrations are mainly due to the power plants operating in the area. These air quality characteristics were interpreted in relation with t he local, synoptic, and mesoscale meteorological conditions. The results in dicated that the episode-days in this area can be grouped in relation to th eir synoptic circulation characteristics in five categories. It was found t hat relatively high concentrations of SO2 and high concentrations of PM10 u sually are accumulated under moderate to strong northerly winds.