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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 6, 2026

Split Point Analysis and Uncertainty Quantification of Thermal-Optical Organic/Elemental Carbon Measurements

Split Point Analysis and Uncertainty Quantification of Thermal-Optical Organic/Elemental Carbon Measurements

Published on: September 7, 2019

Filter light attenuation as a surrogate for elemental carbon.

Judith C Chow¹, John G Watson, Mark C Green

¹Division of Atmospheric Sciences, Desert Research Institute, Reno, NV 89512, USA. judyc@dri.edu

Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association (1995)

|December 15, 2010

Summary

Light attenuation measurements can effectively estimate elemental carbon (EC) concentrations in particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10). This method offers a reliable and feasible approach for air quality monitoring across diverse U.S. locations.

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Area of Science:

Environmental Science
Atmospheric Chemistry
Air Quality Monitoring

Background:

Elemental carbon (EC) is a key component of fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10).
Accurate measurement of EC is crucial for understanding air pollution impacts.
Light attenuation (b(att)) offers a potential surrogate for EC measurement.

Purpose of the Study:

To compare light attenuation (b(att)) measurements with elemental carbon (EC) concentrations.
To assess the feasibility of using b(att) as a surrogate for EC in PM2.5 and PM10.
To evaluate the consistency of the relationship between b(att) and EC across different locations and seasons.

Main Methods:

Analysis of over 180,000 collocated PM2.5 and PM10 samples from nearly 200 U.S. sites.
Comparison of light attenuation (filter transmittance) with measured EC concentrations.
Regression analysis to determine mass absorption efficiency (sigma(att)) and predict EC from b(att).

Main Results:

Reasonable correlations were found between b(att) and EC, despite theoretical variability.
Median EC concentrations were predicted within +/- 15-30% using filter transmittance.
EC prediction from b(att) showed higher uncertainties (30-60%), especially at low concentrations.
Consistent mass absorption efficiency (sigma(att)) supports b(att) as an EC surrogate.

Conclusions:

Light attenuation (b(att)) is a feasible and consistent surrogate for estimating elemental carbon (EC) in PM2.5 and PM10.
A constant factor (0.1 g/m2) can estimate EC from b(att), with improved accuracy using site-specific sigma(att).
This method provides a valuable tool for air quality assessment and monitoring.