Identifying and recording environmental pollutants in the Attica basin: the archaeological site of Kerameikos

Ioannis Prodromos Kotsifakos; Vasileios Lampropoulos

doi:10.14568/cp39273

Authors

Ioannis Prodromos Kotsifakos Department of Conservation of Antiquities and Works of Art, School of Applied Arts and Culture, University of west Attica, Agiou Spiridonos 28, Egaleo, 12243, Greece
Vasileios Lampropoulos Department of Conservation of Antiquities and Works of Art, School of Applied Arts and Culture, University of west Attica, Agiou Spiridonos 28, Egaleo, 12243, Greece

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14568/cp39273

Keywords:

Air pollutants, Stone degradation, Marble monuments, Urban ambient pollution, Atmospheric deterioration factors, Contamination

Abstract

This study investigates the identification and effects of atmospheric pollutants in the archaeological sites of the Athens basin, particularly at Kerameikos. The objective was to identify the pollutants surrounding this historically significant area at the center of a large city and assess the damage they inflict on the monuments. By examining the environment and documenting atmospheric parameters, it became evident how significantly geomorphology influences the dispersion of pollutants. The assessment of pollutants was achieved through a combination of marble sampling and air quality sensors. The collection of water washes and the use of diagnostic analysis methods documented the airborne elements deposited in the samples. The results were evaluated based on the climatic factors of deterioration, the sensors data, statistical graphs, and the bibliographic sources. In conclusion, gaseous particles and pollutants from wheeled vehicles are the biggest threat to the environment, and their limitation is also the most difficult.

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