Search Results (3)

Soil pollution at airports is a critical environmental issue that affects not only the local ecology but also the health of people living near these infrastructures. The main causes of pollution include the use of chemical products such as de-icing agents, fuels, and lubricants, as well as waste from aircraft and ground vehicles. These substances often seep into the soil, leading to the accumulation of toxic elements. However, due to security reasons, there is a great scarcity of real data on the impact of airport operations on ecosystems and the role trees could play in pollutant limitation. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine whether airport operations have toxic effects on soils within and around Macedonia Airport, Thessaloniki, Northern Greece, by determining the concentrations of potentially toxic elements (Cu, Ni, Pb, Mn, Fe, Co, Cr, Cd, and Zn) in soil samples taken within the airport and near the airport. Furthermore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of the canopies of forest species on the accumulation of toxic metals in the soil inside the airport and in the peripheral zone. The results show that, overall, no important pollution was detected in the soil of the Thessaloniki Airport, Northern Greece, both inside and outside the airport area. Some differences were observed in the content of toxic metals studied between the samples taken inside and outside the airport, and some effects of tree canopy were noted. However, all values were lower than the defined permissible limits according to international standards (except for iron). It is important, however, to perform regular re-checking of soil quality with new samples in order to prevent soil contamination and mitigate any contamination found. Full article

Urban air pollution, especially from heavy metal (HM) contamination, poses significant risks to human health and environmental sustainability. This study investigates the spatial and temporal distribution of HM contamination in Thessaloniki, Greece, using Syntrichia moss as a bioindicator to inform urban environmental management strategies. Moss samples were collected from 16 locations representing diverse urban activity zones (motorway, industrial, city center, airport) in March, May, and July 2024. The concentrations of 12 HMs (Al, Sb, As, Ba, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Pb, Ni, V, and Zn) were analyzed using ICP-MS, and the contamination factors were calculated relative to controlled moss samples. The results revealed significant spatial variation, with elevated levels of As, Cd, Cr, Pb, and Zn, particularly in high-traffic and industrial zones, exceeding the background levels by up to severe and extreme contamination categories. Temporal trends showed decreases in Al, Ba, and Ni from March to July 2024, while Cr and Cu increased, suggesting seasonally varying sources. Multivariate analyses further distinguished the contamination patterns, implicating traffic and industrial activities as key contributors. Syntrichia effectively captures HM contamination variability, demonstrating its value as a cost-effective bioindicator. These findings provide critical data that can guide urban planners in developing targeted pollution mitigation strategies, ensuring compliance with the European Green Deal’s Zero Pollution Action Plan. Full article

We studied the broader area of Thessaloniki in northern Greece and Chalkidiki and performed an InSAR campaign to study the surface deformation phenomena that have been known to exist for at least two decades. Sentinel-1 data (2015–2019) together with drill measurements were exploited to focus on specific sites of interest. Our results indicate an ongoing displacement field. At the region of Kalochori and Sindos—where intense subsidence in the 1990s was previously found to have had a natural surface rebound in the 2000s—a new period of subsidence, caused by the enlivenment of the groundwater overexploitation, was reported. The uplifting trend of Oreokastro is still active and subsidence in Anthemountas graben is ongoing; special focus was set on the Makedonia Airport, where significant displacement is occurring. The study also reveals a new area at Nea Moudania, that was not known previously to deform; another case corresponding to anthropogenic-induced surface displacement. Thessaloniki is surrounded by different persistent displacement phenomena, whose main driving mechanisms are anthropogenic. The sensitivity of the surface displacements to the water trends is highlighted in parts of the study area. Results highlight the plan of a water resources management as a high priority for the area. Full article