MABI - A multi-wavelength absorption black carbon instrument for the measurement of fine light absorbing carbon particles

Abstract

Light absorbing carbon (LAC), also referred to as black carbon (BC) or more colloquially as soot; is generated from the partial combustion of fossil fuels and biomass. The significant research interest in BC is largely due to its aerodynamic diameter well within the 2.5 μm size fraction (known as PM2.5), as well as its abundance being a major constituent of atmospheric particulate matter, particularly in urban regions. Accurately measuring BC is crucial for researchers and regulators for identifying root causes, monitoring emission source concentrations and input into climate change models in order to identify approaches that can best mitigate its atmospheric abundance.This paper presents results from recent studies using a BC research instrument developed by ANSTO, the Multi-wavelength Absorption Black carbon Instrument (MABI). The paper describes in detail the instrument design, function and interpretation of data from measurement of filters collected from various geographical locations in Australia and Asia. This instrument measures the light absorption of LAC particles deposited on filters at seven different wavelengths ranging from 405 to 1050 nm to estimate the LAC concentration of different particle diameters in order to differentiate between LAC from high temperature fossil fuel combustion (such as diesel vehicle engines) and biomass burning. Providing a powerful tool for identifying source contributions and determining LAC content of filters using quantitative analysis.