YPATIA’s services are carried out at an operational level by the Atmospheric Chemistry Laboratory (ACL) of the National Observatory of Athens (NOA). They include the recording of concentrations of basic and specialized pollutants and the assessment of their impacts on climate, health, and ecosystems. YPATIA’s core services include:
- Continuous monitoring of Athens’ atmospheric pollution levels at high temporal resolution, using specialized instruments and a network of low- and medium-cost sensors.
- Atmospheric pollution measurements and sampling at points of interest, using the Mobile Monitoring Unit, upon request from official bodies.
- Collection of atmospheric samples and further chemical analyses.
- Clarification and quantification of atmospheric pollution sources.
- Study of pollutant dispersion (plumes) using numerical models and application in cases of settlement evacuation for safety and health reasons.
- Numerical simulations of air quality for the study of pollution episodes from natural and anthropogenic causes (e.g., biomass burning, open fires in agricultural areas – forest fires, dust transport from Africa).
- Support for monitoring the achievement of obligations arising from the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 2030).
Operational Structure
Sensor Networks for Air Pollution Monitoring
Since 2018, the IERSD has developed sensor-based air quality measurement networks in Attica and other regions of Greece, aiming to map urban atmospheric pollution at high spatial resolution and assess population exposure to it. A central infrastructure is the network of sensors for monitoring fine particulate matter PM2.5, which is being developed nationwide within the framework of the PANACEA research infrastructure (https://panacea-ri.gr/) by IERSD/NOA in collaboration with domestic Universities and Research Centers. In 2024, the network comprised over 100 measurement sites in 25 cities nationwide, with more than 30 sites operating in Attica under the direct supervision of IERSD. The measurement results are continuously presented in real-time on the online platform https://air-quality.gr. Furthermore, IERSD has developed a network of sensor systems capable of simultaneously measuring multiple gaseous and particulate pollutants in the Attica Basin.
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Urban Background Atmospheric Pollution Monitoring Superstation
The station, located at the NOA facilities in Thissio, provides high temporal resolution atmospheric pollution data, using classic analyzers and cutting-edge equipment, within the framework of the National Research Infrastructure PANACEA and the European Research Infrastructure ACTRIS. More information about the station’s instrumentation is available on the website of the Atmospheric Physics and Chemistry group of IERSD/NOA.
Atmospheric Chemistry Laboratory
The Atmospheric Chemistry Laboratory (ACL) of the National Observatory of Athens was established in 1996 by the Institute for Environmental Research and Sustainable Development (IERSD), one of the five Institutes of the NOA.
The laboratory is located at the IERSD facilities on Koufos Hill, in Palaia Penteli. In 2005, the Laboratory enhanced its existing infrastructure with modern equipment to provide services for chemical analyses and measurements of atmospheric pollutants, aiming to focus on chemical compounds hazardous to public health. The upgrade was carried out within the framework of the Competitiveness Operational Program (EPAN) with co-financing from Greece and the European Regional Development Fund of the EU and national resources.
The goal of the Atmospheric Chemistry Laboratory is to provide high-quality services for measuring atmospheric and other pollutants, meeting the demands of Greek society and state and productive bodies for sustainable, economic, and technological development, combined with the protection of the environment and public health.
More information about the ACL is available on the website of the Atmospheric Physics and Chemistry group of IERSD/NOA.
Mobile Atmospheric Pollution Monitoring Station
The ACL has a Mobile Atmospheric Pollution Monitoring Station adapted to a VAN-type vehicle, for monitoring the levels of the main atmospheric pollutants (NO, NO2, O3, SO2, CO, BC, PM10). The Mobile Station provides flexibility in transporting equipment to any point in Greek territory to monitor pollution levels in the area.
More information about the ACL is available on the website of the Atmospheric Physics and Chemistry group of IERSD/NOA.
Research Team
No staff members found in this category.