In-Depth Study of PM2.5 and PM10 Concentrations over a 12-Year Period and their Elemental Composition in the Lignite Center of Western Macedonia, Greece

Western Macedonia, located in North-western Greece, is largely dominated by lignite mining and lignite-fired power plants, which are a significant part of the country’s economy. However, electricity generation related activities among greatest sources air pollutants. In this study, we focus on quality Macedonia based measurements Particulate Matter (PM2.5 PM10) over 12-year period (from 2010 to 2021) sampling PM-bound trace elements course 12 months December 2017 November 2018). The analysis revealed an overall decrease PM2.5 PM10 concentrations study period. general, PM exhibited seasonality patterns associated with weather conditions local These major pollution processes, emissions from anthropogenic biomass burning heating systems. addition, some differences; elemental profiles both were quite similar, while most abundant (Ca Si) indicate that main emission coal combustion.