Optical Properties of Aerosols Over Athens, Greece, and Their Relation with Chemical Composition

To investigate the relation between aerosol optical properties and their chemical composition, scattering and absorption of aerosols have been recorded on a routine basis during the last 4 years (2008–2011) at the Aerosol Monitoring Station of the National Observatory of Athens, at Penteli’s premises, Athens, Greece. In parallel, monitoring of PM2.5, PM2.5–10, and PM10 fractions of particulate matter was performed. Samples were analysed for complete chemical characterization of aerosols, by means of ionic chromatography and the thermal–optical transmission method for EC/OC.