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Abstract DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1065/espr2001.09.088

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1065/espr2001.09.088 --- This work presents the results of one-year monitoring
study of Volatile Hydrocarbons, VHCs, in the atmosphere of
Athens. It is the first systematic attempt to determine the VHC
levels in the Athens atmosphere with the very well known photochemical
pollution problems. The purpose of this work was
to create a database concerning VHCs in order to evaluate the
photochemical pollution in this area (ozone creation, case studies
and meteorology). Totally, 308 samples were collected at three
different sites used in the state-monitoring programme involving
the criteria pollutants. Air samples were collected on Tenax TA
tubes and analysed by thermal desorption and dual column GC -
dual FID. Fifteen selected compounds were studied; 6 alkanes
and 9 benzenoid compounds. The measured values of individual
alkanes ranged from 0.39 µg m –3 to 33 µg m –3 , and those of aromatics
from 0.20 µg m –3 to 616 µg m –3 . The sum of all 15 VHC
concentrations ranged between 16 and 1697 µg m –3 . The time
and spatial variations in the concentration of these compounds
were assessed. Volatile hydrocarbons exhibited a clear seasonal
and time cycle, showing higher concentrations during winter and
early morning hours. Study of the spatial variations of VHC
levels showed higher concentrations at the center of the city.
The variation of toluene/benzene ratio and the correlation between
VHCs, criteria pollutants (CO, NO x and O 3) and meteorological
parameters were also assessed. It was demonstrated
that a trip-line of the VHCs concentration at the city center
doubles the ozone concentration at peripheral areas under
favourable meteorological conditions.