Elemental deposition in the vicinity of a lignite power plant in southern Greece

Bulk deposition samples were collected on a monthly basis in Megalopolis city, located near lignite power plants. A total of 23 elements (As, Br, Ca, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Eu, Fe, Hf, La, Mo, Na, Rb, Sb, Sc, Se, Ta, Tb, Th, U, Yb, Zn) were detected in the collected samples using INAA. The coal burning marker elements As and Se were found enriched in the collected samples together with Mo, Br, Sb, U and Zn. Factor analysis permitted the identification of four sources: re-suspended soil/road dust, lignite power plant, sea spray and traffic emissions. A wind direction effect on deposition rates of all elements (except rates of Na, Rb, Sb and Zn) was also found.