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Split Point Analysis and Uncertainty Quantification of Thermal-Optical Organic/Elemental Carbon Measurements
Published on: September 7, 2019
Atmospheric particulate absorption and black carbon measurement
J D Lindberg1, R E Douglass, D M Garvey
1Science and Technology Corporation, 555 Telshore 200, Las Cruces, New Mexico 88003, USA.
Applied Optics
|March 6, 2008
Summary
Optical attenuation measurements of atmospheric particulate matter can determine black carbon loading. For accurate results, especially in rural areas, use near-infrared wavelengths to avoid overestimation.
Area of Science:
- Atmospheric Science
- Spectroscopy
- Environmental Monitoring
Background:
- Measuring optical attenuation (A) of particulate matter on filters is practical.
- Relating attenuation to absorption (k) and scattering (s) coefficients is complex.
Purpose of the Study:
- To apply Kubelka-Munk theory to relate optical attenuation to particulate matter properties.
- To investigate using optical attenuation to determine black carbon mass loading (C).
Main Methods:
- Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy.
- Kubelka-Munk theory application.
- Analysis of optical attenuation (A) as a function of absorption (k), scattering (s), and black carbon mass fraction (f(c)).
Main Results:
- Optical attenuation (A) is generally nonlinear with k and s, but can be linear with k for specific sample conditions.
- High filter reflectance makes A nearly independent of scattering (s).
- A is a predictable, linear function of black carbon mass loading (C) when the black carbon mass fraction (f(c)) is high.
- When f(c) is low, A(C) slope depends heavily on f(c), risking overestimation of C.
Conclusions:
- Optical attenuation measurements can quantify black carbon on filters.
- Near-infrared wavelength measurements improve accuracy for low black carbon mass fractions, mitigating overestimation risks.
- Filter properties and measurement wavelength are critical for accurate black carbon determination.
