Lead levels in airborne particulates of Patras, Greece, and trend prediction

The lead (Pb) content of the total suspended particulate (TSP) matter has been determined by flameless graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry in a total of 57 samples collected hourly. Pb content was approximately 2 and 0.3ppt of the monthly mean TSP concentrations in downtown Patras and on the University of Patras Campus. Correspondingly, this yielded respective Pb concentrations of 0.43 and 0.03 mu g/m super(3) at the beginning of the last decade. The values measured in downtown Patras were comparable to those monitored in Greek and other European cities. The value measured on the University Campus was found to approach background levels. The rate of the long-term variation of Pb levels was estimated to be -0.269 mu g/m super(3) per year for the period 1991-2001, providing a Pb level 0.14 mu g/m super(3) in downtown Patras for 2001, and implying yearly mean values conservatively lower than the limits. Due to the complete lack of similar measurements, the present results could be used from epidemiologists and environmental engineers for the development of the Patras area, and other coastal cities of similar activities.