Water and Air Quality Laboratory

The Water and Air Quality Laboratory was established in 1996. So far, scientific research has been focused on risk assessment and behaviour of organic and inorganic pollutants in the environment, on operation and control of laboratory-scale wastewater and drinking water treatment systems and on development of models for predicting pollutants fate in the environment. You may find more information here.

The main research topics of the Water and Air Quality Laboratory are:

  • Determination of metals and organic compounds in environmental samples
  • Ecotoxicological analysis
  • Drinking water, wastewater and sludge treatment
  • Wastewater reuse and materials recovery
  • Water resources management
  • Underground aquifers pollution and reclamation
  • Determination of particulates and gas pollutants in the atmosphere
  • Physicochemical transformation of compounds in the atmosphere
  • Optical properties of atmospheric aerosols

Faculty

CHRISTODOULOS PILINIS, Professor

Qualifications: Diploma in Chemical Engineering, NTUA (1983), M.Sc. Environmental Engineering, California Institute of Technology (Caltech.) (1984), Ph.D. Environmental Engineering, California Institute of Technology (Caltech) (1988).
Research interests: Measurements and modeling of air and particulate pollutants in the atmosphere, atmospheric chemistry, optical properties of atmospheric aerosols, the greenhouse effect.

Address: Office 209
Department of Environment, University of Aegean
University Hill
Mytilene, 81100, Greece
Phone: +30 2251036233
E-mail: xpil@aegean.gr

THEMISTOKLES LEKKAS, Professor Emeritus

Qualifications: Diploma in Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens (NTUA)(1966) – M.Sc. Environmental Engineering, Imperial College of Science & Technology, University of London (1974) – Ph.D. Environmental Engineering, Imperial College of Science & Technology, University of London (1977).
Research Interests: Water resources and water supply treatment, chlorination by products, water filtration, effect of the coagulation – flocculation to filtration process, formulation of dynamic models for the operational control of the wastewater treatment plants, toxic metals inhibition in the biological treatment, PAH’s detection and removal during the biological treatment, agrochemicals in the potable water, VOCs, integrated solid wastes recycling systems.

MICHALIS ANGELIDIS, Professor

[On a leave of absence since 2008, New position: Section Head IAEA NAEL/Marine Environmental Studies Laboratory]
Qualifications: Chemistry Degree, University of Athens (1978), DEA of Ecology, Univ. Paris 7, Γαλλία (1978), PhD, University of Patras and Dimokritos (1985).
Research interests: Biogeochemical cycles of toxic compounds in the environment, pollution of water environment and chemical oceanography.

ATHANASIOS STASINAKIS, Associate Professor (Laboratory Director)

Qualifications: Environmental Science Degree, Department of Environment, University of Aegean, (1997). PhD in Environmental Science, Department of Environment, University of Aegean (2002).
Research Interests: Biological and physicochemical methods for wastewater treatment. Reuse of treated wastewater and biosolids. Occurrence, fate and toxicity of organic micropollutants in sewage treatment plants and aquatic environment.

Address: Office 210
Department of Environment, University of Aegean
University Hill
Mytilene, 81100, Greece
Phone: +30 2251036257
E-mail: astas@env.aegean.gr

PETROS GAGANIS, Associate Professor

Qualifications: Geology Degree, Department of Geology, University of Thessaloniki (1986), M.Sc. Hydrogeology, University of British Columbia, Dept. Earth and Ocean Sciences, Canada (1997), Ph.D., Stochastic Hydrogeology, University of British Columbia, Dept. Earth and Ocean Sciences, Canada (2000).
Research Interests: Process of the underground water in homogeneous and heterogeneous substrates. Simulation models for the Hydrological systems. Risk analysis for water and air pollution and water resources management.

Address: Office 204
Department of Environment, University of Aegean
University Hill
Mytilene, 81100, Greece
Phone.: +30 2251036293
E-mail: gaganis@aegean.gr

OLGA-IOANNA KALANTZI, Assistant Professor

Qualifications: BSc (Hons) Applied Biochemistry, University of Brunel West London, UK (1998), MSc Environmental & Ecologic Sciences (with excellence), University of Lancaster, UK (1999), PhD in Environmental Chemistry, University of Lancaster, UK, (2004).
Research Interests: Human exposure to emerging organic pollutants. Occurrence, fate and effects of emerging contaminants in the environment. Investigation of biological effects of environmental pollutants. Human exposure to particulate matter air pollution. Engineered nanoparticle toxicity.

Address: Office 206
Department of Environment, University of Aegean
University Hill
Mytilene, 81100, Greece
Phone: +30 2251036204
E-mail: kalantzi@aegean.gr

ΜΑRΙΑ KOSTOPOULOU-ΚARANTENELLI, Associate Professor – Department of Marine Sciences*

Qualifications: Biochemistry Degree, Department of Biochemistry, University of PARIS VII (1976), Chemistry Degree, Department of Chemistry, University of Athens, (1981), PhD in National Foundation for Research (Centre of Organic Chemisry & Catalysis)(1987).
Research Interests: Organic chemical pollution in seawater and dynamic processes in the coast ecosystems.
Address: Department of Marine Sciences, University of Aegean
University Hill
Mytilene, 81100, Greece
Phone: +30 2251036233
E-mail: mkaran@aegean.gr

ANASTASIA NIKOLAOU, Assistant Professor – Department of Marine Sciences*

Qualifications: Environmental Science Degree, Department of Environment, University of Aegean, (1997). PhD in Environmental Science, Department of Environment, University of Aegean (2001). Post doctorate Studies, Department of Environment, University of Aegean (2001-2004).
Research Interests: Instrumental analysis of toxic organic compounds.

Address: Department of Marine Sciences, University of Aegean
University Hill
Mytilene, 81100, Greece
Phone.: +30 2251036233
E-mail: nnikol@aegean.gr

* The Water & Air Quality Laboratory has signed a memorandum for co-operation with the Departments Economy & Management Engineering and Marine Sciences (University of the Aegean)

Laboratory Teaching Staff

Dr. MARIA ALOUPI

Qualifications: Chemistry Degree, University of Athens (1989), PhD in Environmental Science, Department of Environment, University of Aegean (1999).
Research Interests: Heavy metals in the environment: analysis, biogeochemistry, ecotixicology, pollution; Environmental Chemistry and pollution.

Address: Office 205
Department of Environment, University of Aegean
University Hill
Mytilene, 81100, Greece
Phone: +30 2251036225
E-mail: malou@env.aegean.gr

Postdoctoral researchers

Dr. GEORGIA GATIDOU

Qualifications: Environmental Science Degree, Department of Environment, University of Aegean, (1998). PhD in Environmental Science, Department of Environment, University of Aegean (2004). Post doctorate Studies: Department of Chemistry, University of Aegean (2006).
Research Interests: Development of analytical methods for the determination of organic pollutants in environmental samples. Investigation of the fate and behavior of organic compounds in aquatic environment and during biological wastewater treatment processes. Investigation of toxicity of organic pollutants. Water and wastewater treatment. Gas and Liquid Chromatography. Use of biomarkers as a tool for pollution assessment

Address: Office 210
Department of Environment, University of Aegean
University Hill
Mytilene, 81100, Greece
Phone.: +30 2251036277
E-mail: ggatid@env.aegean.gr

Dr. OLGA ARVANITI

Qualifications: Chemistry Degree, University of Athens (2007), Msc in Chemical Analysis-Quality Control, Department of Chemistry, University of Athens (2009), PhD in Environmental Science, Department of Environment, University of Aegean (2014).
Research Interests: Occurrence and fate of organic micropollutants during wastewater treatment. Gas and liquid chromatography.

Address: Office B4
Department of Environment, University of Aegean
University Hill
Mytilene, 81100, Greece
Phone: +30 2251036226
E-mail: arvaniti@env.aegean.gr

Dr. MICHAEL KOULOUSARIS

Qualifications: Chemistry Degree, University of Ioannina. PhD in Environmental Science, Department of Environment, University of Aegean (2009).
Research Interests: Heavy metals in the environment.

Address: Office G2
Department of Environment, University of Aegean
University Hill
Mytilene, 81100, Greece
Phone: +30 2251036226
E-mail: mkoulous@env.aegean.gr

Dr. PANAGIOTIS HARALAMPIDIS

Qualifications: Physics Degree, University of Thessaloniki, (2000). PhD in Environmental Science, Department of Environment, University of Aegean (2008). Postdoctorate Studies, Department of Environment, University of Aegean (2008-today).
Research Interests: Atmospheric Chromatometry, Models for the scatter of pollution in the Atmosphere, Models for the production of Sea Salt.

Address: Office G3
Department of Environment, University of Aegean
University Hill
Mytilene, 81100, Greece
Phone: +30 2251036248
E-mail: pharala@env.aegean.gr

PhD students

  • Evangelia Iatrou, Environmental Scientist, University of the Aegean. MSc Environmental and Ecological Engineering, University of the Aegean.
  • Alexandros Kotzapetros, Mechanical Engineer, National Technical University of Athens. MSc Environmental and Ecological Engineering, University of the Aegean.
  • Ioannis Nezis, Social Anthropologist, Panteion University. MSc Environment and Health, University of Athens.
  • Maria Polatidou, Physical Scientist, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. MSc Environmental and Ecological Engineering, University of Aegean.
  • Dimitris Siakavaras, Chemist, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. MSc Environmental and Ecological Engineering, University of the Aegean.
  • Nikolaos Koutsikos, Icthyologist, AΤΕΙ Thesaaloniki, MSc in Sustainable Development, Harokopeion University
  • Olga Koutsou, Physicist, University of Athens, MSc Environmental and Ecological Engineering, University of the Aegean
Α/Α Technique Instrument type Target compounds
1. Liquid Chromatography with Mass Spectrometry Detector (LC-MS) Agilent 1100 Series LC/MSD Trap Pesticides, Perfluorinated Compounds, Antibiotics in water and wastewater
2. High Performance Liquid Chromatography with Diode Array Detector (HPLC-DAD) Shimadzu LC-20 AD SPD – M20A Pesticides in environmental samples
3. High Performance Liquid Chromatography with Diode Array Detector (HPLC-DAD) Varian LC 9012 Antifouling compounds in water
4. Gas Chromatography with Mass Spectrometry Detector and Purge / Trap (Purge & Trap GC-MS) Agilent 5975C VOCs in surface / underground water
5. Gas Chromatography with Mass Spectrometry Detector (GC-MS) HP 5890 Series II Endocrine disruptors and pharmaceuticals in wastewater / sludge / organisms
6. Gas Chromatography with Electron Capture Detector (GC-ECD) Agilent 6890N Disinfection by-products in drinking water
7. Gas Chromatography with Ionic Flame Detector(GC-FID) Fisons GC-8000 series Organotins in water / sediment / organisms
8. Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer Flame, Graphite Furnace and Flow Injection Hydride Generator (FAAS – GFAAS – FIAS/HGAAS) Perkin Elmer 5100 ZL Metals and metalloids in environmental samples
9. Ιon Chromatography (ΙC) Dionex ICS-3000 Αnions/Cations in water samples
10. Size Distribution Analyzer Mastersizer Ε Malvern Particle size distribution in suspensions
11. Toxicometer Microtox Model 500 Analyzer Toxicity of xenobiotics and wastewater
12. Anaerobic Digesters – Anaerobic treatment of wastewater and sludge
13. Freeze Drier Freezone 4.5 Labconco Samples drying
14. Microwave digestion system Mars X press CEM Samples digestion
15. Microwave extraction system EThos 1 Milestone Samples extraction
16. System for the Production of Type I Water Millipore
17. Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer TSI SMPS 3034 Measurement of airborne particle size distributions
18. Integrating Nephelometer TSI nephelometer 3563 Measurement of the light-scattering coefficient of aerosols
19. Atmospheric particle sampler MOUDI impactor model 110 Suspended particle collector according to their diameter
20. Optical Particle Counter OPC Grimm model 1.108 Suspended particle concentration counter according to their diameter
21. Optical Particle Counter OPC Grimm model 1.105 Suspended particle concentration counter according to their diameter
22. Continuous Automated SO2 Analyzer Dasibi Model U.V. Fluorescence SO2Analyzer Background concentrations measurement of SO2ο22
23. Continuous Automated ΝΟΧ Analyzer Dasibi Model 2108 W/PERM Chemiluminescent Nitrogen Oxides Analyzer Background concentrations measurement of ΝΟΧX
24. Continuous Automated Ο3 Analyzer3 Dasibi Model 1008-RS U.V. Photometric Ozone Analyzer Background concentrations measurement of Ο3
25. Ultrafine Condensation Particle Counter TSI model 3772 Condensation Particle Counter
26. Ultrafine Condensation Particle Counter TSI model 3776 Condensation Particle Counter
  • ZeroPM – Zero pollution of Persistent, Mobile substances (2021-2026, H2020-LC-GD-2020/H2020-LC-GD-2020-3)
  • HYDROUSA – Demonstration of water loops with innovative regenerative business models for the Mediterranean region (2019-2022, EU Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme, Grant Agreement No 776643
  • Microplastics in Sewage Treatment Plants: occurrence and fate (2019-2021, Ministry of Development) -Foodomics-GR – Research infrastructure for molecular food characterization (2019-2021, General Secretary of Research and Technology)
  • RI-Food-Aegean – Research infrastructure for the development of novel olive and vine products in North Aegean Prefecture  (2018-2021, North Aegean Prefecture)
  • Environmental assessment of the use of restored Solid Waste Dump (HADA) in Chios as shelter facility” (2016-2017, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees)
  • Toxicity and readily biodegradability assessment of pesticides” (2015, VIORYL Industry, Greece)
  • THALES – University of the Aegean – Sources and physicochemical properties of fine and ultrafine aerosol particles that affect the regional climate of Greece (2012-2015, European Social Fund – Greek Ministry of Education and Lifelong Learning)
  • THALES – University of the Aegean – Investigation of organic micropollutants fate in wastewater treatment and study of their behaviour during wastewater disposal to the aquatic environment, WATERMICROPOL (2012-2015, European Social Fund – Greek Ministry of Education and Lifelong Learning)
    • THALES – University of the Aegean – Incorporating sustainability in participatory decision-making (2012-2015, European Social Fund – Greek Ministry of Education and Lifelong Learning)
    • THALES – University of the Aegean – Green Transportation in Insular Areas (2012-2015, European Social Fund – Greek Ministry of Education and Lifelong Learning)
    • Investigation of perfluorinated compounds fate during wastewater treatment – Heraclitus ΙΙ (2010-2013, European Social Fund – Greek Ministry of Education and Lifelong Learning)
    • Determination of the physicochemical properties of aerosol over the city of Salonika. – Heraclitus ΙΙ (2010-2013, European Social Fund – Greek Ministry of Education and Lifelong Learning)
    • Development of a new instrument to measure the hygroscopic properties of atmospheric particulate matter and measurements in urban and suburban environments – Heraclitus ΙΙ (2010-2013, European Social Fund – Greek Ministry of Education and Lifelong Learning)
    • Measurements of lead concentrations in tissues from wild waterfowl (2008-2009, ΕΘΙΑΓΕ)
    • HI-WATE – Health impacts of long-term exposure to disinfection by-products in drinking water (2006-2010, EU-FP6)
    • European Integrated project on Aerosol Cloud Climate and Air Quality interactions (EUCAARI) (2007 – 2010, EU-FP6)
    • Strengthening of the existing laboratory facilities of the Water and Air Quality Laboratory for providing environmental testing services and its accreditation (2004-2010, Greek Ministry of Development)
    • Occurrence of synthetic endocrine organic chemicals in wastewater treatment systems – PYTHAGORAS (2004-2006, European Social Fund – Greek Ministry of Education)
    • Study of the distribution and speciation of as in aquatic systems developed in hydrothermal fields – PYTHAGORAS (2004 – 2006, European Social Fund – Greek Ministry of Education).
    • Monitoring Project: Marine monitoring along the coastal area of the island of Lesvos and of the Argolikos gulf (2004-2006, Greek Ministry for the Environment, Physical Planning and Public Works – FEDER/EEC)
    • Biogenic Aerosols and Air Quality in the Mediterranean Area (BOND) (2001-2005, EU-FP5)
    • Atmospheric deposition and impact of pollutants, key elements and nutrients on the open Mediterranean Sea (2001-2003, European Commission (FP5) – EVK3-2000-00604)