Air-pollutant measurements
Measurement and chemical analysis of atmospheric pollutants, with emphasis on compounds that may be hazardous to public health.
Atmospheric Chemistry Laboratory (ACL)
Atmospheric Chemistry Laboratory
Advanced atmospheric analysis supporting science and public health
The Atmospheric Chemistry Laboratory of the National Observatory of Athens was founded in 1996 by the Institute for Environmental Research and Sustainable Development.
Located at the Institute’s premises in Palaia Penteli, the laboratory conducts basic and applied research in atmospheric chemistry, atmospheric physics and air quality.
The laboratory provides high-quality atmospheric pollutant measurement and chemical analysis services to support environmental protection, public health and sustainable technological and economic development.
1996
Laboratory founded
2005
Infrastructure upgrade
Global
Research collaborations
Health
Public impact focus
Laboratory mission
High-quality measurements for research, society and the environment
ACL provides analytical services and scientific expertise for atmospheric pollution monitoring, environmental assessment and advanced atmospheric research.
Basic and applied research
Participation in national and international research projects in atmospheric chemistry, physics and air-quality science.
Public-health protection
Scientific services designed to support environmental protection, public authorities, private bodies and wider Greek society.
Analytical services
Chemical characterisation using chromatographic, spectroscopic and gravimetric analytical techniques.
Scientific collaboration
Collaboration with research institutes, universities, state organisations and private-sector partners.
Sustainable development
Atmospheric research supporting sustainable economic and technological development while protecting the environment.
Analytical infrastructure
Specialised laboratory capabilities
ACL combines advanced analytical instrumentation, controlled laboratory facilities and atmospheric sampling systems for detailed pollutant analysis.
Advanced instrumentation
Chromatographic analysis
Analytical systems for the separation, identification and measurement of atmospheric chemical compounds.
Spectroscopic applications
Spectroscopic instrumentation for the optical and chemical characterisation of atmospheric samples.
Aerosol sampling
Sampling devices and auxiliary equipment for collecting airborne particulate matter and chemical species.
Gravimetric measurements
Particulate-matter filter measurements conducted in a controlled weighing room.
Oxidative potential
Determination of the oxidative potential of water-soluble ambient aerosols using the DTT assay.
Brown-carbon absorption
Modified analytical configurations can determine light absorption by water-soluble brown carbon.
Measurement methods
Detailed atmospheric sample characterisation
The laboratory applies complementary analytical techniques to quantify particulate matter and investigate its chemical and health-related properties.
Particulate matter
- Filter-based sampling
- Gravimetric concentration
- Controlled weighing
- Quality-assured procedures
Water-soluble aerosol
- Aqueous aerosol extracts
- Soluble chemical species
- Atmospheric sample preparation
- Controlled analysis
Oxidative potential
- Dithiothreitol assay
- Semi-automatic analysis
- Health-related aerosol activity
- Ambient particle assessment
Brown carbon
- Light-absorption analysis
- Water-soluble BrC
- Modified analytical system
- Optical aerosol properties
Research and services
Contact the laboratory
Atmospheric science supporting informed environmental decisions
ACL combines advanced laboratory infrastructure with scientific expertise to support research projects, atmospheric pollutant measurements and environmental assessment services.