Journal Article

The Measurement of Atmospheric Black Carbon: A Review

Cheng, Yuan, Liang, Linlin, Liu, Jiumeng, Zhang, Zhiqing

2023

Overview

Black Carbon (BC), the second-largest contributor to global warming, has detrimental effects on human health and the environment. However, the accurate quantification of BC poses a significant challenge, impeding the comprehensive assessment of its impacts. Therefore, this paper aims to critically review three quantitative methods for measuring BC: Thermal Optical Analysis (TOA), the Optical Method, and Laser-Induced Incandescence (LII). The determination principles, available commercial instruments, sources of deviation, and correction approaches associated with these techniques are systematically discussed. By synthesizing and comparing the quantitative results reported in previous studies, this paper aims to elucidate the underlying relationships and fundamental disparities among Elemental Carbon (EC), Equivalent Black Carbon (eBC), and Refractory Black Carbon (rBC). Finally, based on the current advancements in BC quantification, recommendations are proposed to guide future research directions.

• Publisher: MDPI AG,MDPI
• Subject: Air pollution / Atmospheric aerosols / Atmospheric carbon dioxide / Black carbon / Carbon / Climate change / Environmental aspects / Global warming / Health aspects / Industrial plant emissions / Laser induced incandescence / laser-induced incandescence method / Measurement / Measurement methods / Measurement techniques / Measuring instruments / Methods / Moisture absorption / Optical analysis / optical method / Optical properties / Optics / Outdoor air quality / Oxidation / Principles / Protective coatings / Quantitative analysis / Review / technical comparison / Temperature / thermal optical analysis