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Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Measuring Carbon-based Contaminant Mineralization Using Combined CO2 Flux and Radiocarbon Analyses
Published on: October 21, 2016
Uncertainty estimation in chemical measurements: carbon dioxide determination at atmospheric concentration
Elena Amico Di Meane1, Michela Sega
1Istituto di Metrologia Gustavo Colonnetti-Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche Strada delle Cacce 73, 10135 Torino. e.amicodimeane@imgc.cnr.it
Abstract:
The present work deals with the evaluation of measurement uncertainty in the determination of carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration in atmosphere, given the high relevance of this greenhouse gas that influences earth climate. In order to carry out CO2 measurements, non dispersive infrared (NDIR) analysers are usually employed as they are stable and scarcely affected by interferences from other air components or pollutants. Typical uncertainty sources are the resolution of the analyser, its time drift and the contributions due to instrument calibration, which is required in order to produce traceable measurement results. The calibration uncertainty takes into account the uncertainty of the composition of the calibration gas mixtures, the instrument repeatability and the possible or residual lack of fit of the adopted mathematical model.
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