Abstract
The objective of this work was to assess the yearly contribution of fossil fuel combustion (BCff) and wood burning (BCwb) to equivalent black carbon (eBC) concentrations, in Athens, Greece. Measurements were conducted at a suburban site from March 2013 to February 2014 and included absorption coefficients at seven wavelengths and PM2.5 chemical composition data for key biomass burning markers, i.e., levoglucosan, potassium (K) and elemental and organic carbon (EC, OC). A well-documented methodology of corrections for aethalometer attenuation coefficients was applied with a resulting annual dataset of derived absorption coefficients for the suburban Athens’ atmospheric aerosol. The Aethalometer model was applied for the source apportionment of eBC. An optimum Ångström exponent for fossil fuel (αff) was found, based on the combined use of the model with levoglucosan data. The measured eBC concentrations were equal to 2.4 ± 1.0 μg m−3 and 1.6 ± 0.6 μg m−3, during the cold and the warm period respectively. The contribution from wood burning was significantly higher during the cold period (21 ± 11%, versus 6 ± 7% in the warm period). BCff displayed a clear diurnal pattern with a morning peak between 8 and 10 a.m. (during morning rush hour) and a second peak during the evening and night hours, due to the shallowing of the mixing layer. Regression analysis between BCwb concentrations and biomass burning markers (levoglucosan, K and OC/EC ratio) supported the validity of the results.
Highlights
During the past decade, black carbon (BC) has been identified as an aerosol component of particular interest and has become one of the key research targets for climate change and health impact assessment studies [1]
The contribution of fossil fuel and wood burning to equivalent black carbon (eBC) concentrations was quantified for the suburban aerosol in Athens, Greece, through the application of the Aethalometer model
The combined use of the model with levoglucosan data allowed for the selection of an optimum Ångström exponent for fossil fuel, significantly decreasing the uncertainty of the estimated BCwb and
Summary
Black carbon (BC) has been identified as an aerosol component of particular interest and has become one of the key research targets for climate change and health impact assessment studies [1]. BC is the most efficient light-absorbing species of airborne particulate matter (PM) in the visible spectrum and is responsible for a large part of the positive radiation forcing caused by aerosols [4,5]. Jacobson has shown that BC may be considered the second most important component of global warming in terms of direct forcing, since its warming effect. Due to the relatively short lifetime of BC in the atmosphere, its radiative forcing ends within weeks after emission, making this aerosol species very significant with respect to climate change mitigation strategies. In this framework, the identification of BC emission sources and their respective strength is crucial for global air pollution management and policy-making. It should be noted that combustion-related aerosols (including BC) have been linked to adverse health effects and are considered more harmful than other anthropogenic and natural particle components [7]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
