Assessment of airborne particulate levels in Spain in relation to the new EU-directive

This study deals with PM10 levels obtained at several Spanish air quality m onitoring urban, industrial and rural stations. Comparison with current nat ional regulations on airborne concentrations of particulate matter showed t hat the standard limits are never exceeded in the selected areas. However, the limit values proposed in both stages of the recently approved European directive would be exceeded in the current situation. Seasonal distribution of exceedences shows a variety of patterns suggesting different contributi ons from anthropogenic and natural sources. PM10 levels were found to be af fected by natural sources of a non-local origin or even attributed to long- range transport processes from arid or desert zones. (C) 2001 Elsevier Scie nce Ltd. All rights reserved.