the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
A new algorithm for brown and black carbon identification and organic carbon detection in fine atmospheric aerosols by a multi-wavelength Aethalometer
F. Esposito
M. R. Calvello
E. Gueguen
G. Pavese
Abstract. A novel approach for the analysis of aerosol absorption coefficient measurements is presented. A 7-wavelenghts aethalometer has been employed to identify brown carbon (BrC) and black carbon (BC) and to detect organic carbon (OC) in fine atmospheric aerosols (PM2.5). The Magee Aethalometer estimates the BC content in atmospheric particulate by measuring the light attenuation in the aerosols accumulated on a quartz filter, at the standard wavelength λ = 0.88 μm. The known Magee algorithm is based on the hypothesis of a mass absorption coefficient inversely proportional to the wavelength. The new algorithm has been developed and applied to the whole spectral range; it verifies the spectral absorption behavior and, thus, it distinguishes between black and brown carbon. Moreover, it allows also to correct the absorption estimation at the UV wavelength commonly used to qualitatively detect the presence of mixed hydrocarbons. The algorithm has been applied to data collected in Agri Valley, located in Southern Italy, where torched crude oil undergoes a pre-treatment process.
The Magee Aethalometer has been set to measure Aerosol absorption coefficients τaer (λ, t) every 5 min. Wavelength dependence of τaer (λ, t) has been analyzed by a best-fit technique and, excluding UV-wavelengths, both the absorption Angstrom coefficient α and the BC (or BrC) concentration have been determined. Finally, daily histograms of α provide information on optical properties of carbonaceous aerosol, while the extrapolation at UV-wavelengths gives information on the presence of semivolatile organic carbon (OC) particles.
F. Esposito et al.


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RC C419: 'Review', Anonymous Referee #1, 28 Mar 2012
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AC C640: 'Reply to referee', Francesco Esposito, 11 Apr 2012
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AC C640: 'Reply to referee', Francesco Esposito, 11 Apr 2012
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SC C431: 'Comment on the Esposito et al, A new algorithm for BrC and BC identification and OC detection in fine atmospheric aerosols by a multi-wavelength Aethalometer', Griša Močnik, 29 Mar 2012
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AC C646: 'Comment', Francesco Esposito, 11 Apr 2012
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AC C646: 'Comment', Francesco Esposito, 11 Apr 2012
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RC C2572: 'Review', Anonymous Referee #2, 19 Oct 2012
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AC C2775: 'Response to referee 2', Francesco Esposito, 07 Nov 2012
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AC C2775: 'Response to referee 2', Francesco Esposito, 07 Nov 2012


-
RC C419: 'Review', Anonymous Referee #1, 28 Mar 2012
-
AC C640: 'Reply to referee', Francesco Esposito, 11 Apr 2012
-
AC C640: 'Reply to referee', Francesco Esposito, 11 Apr 2012
-
SC C431: 'Comment on the Esposito et al, A new algorithm for BrC and BC identification and OC detection in fine atmospheric aerosols by a multi-wavelength Aethalometer', Griša Močnik, 29 Mar 2012
-
AC C646: 'Comment', Francesco Esposito, 11 Apr 2012
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AC C646: 'Comment', Francesco Esposito, 11 Apr 2012
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RC C2572: 'Review', Anonymous Referee #2, 19 Oct 2012
-
AC C2775: 'Response to referee 2', Francesco Esposito, 07 Nov 2012
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AC C2775: 'Response to referee 2', Francesco Esposito, 07 Nov 2012
F. Esposito et al.
F. Esposito et al.
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Cited
5 citations as recorded by crossref.
- On the attribution of black and brown carbon light absorption using the Ångström exponent D. Lack & J. Langridge 10.5194/acp-13-10535-2013
- The contribution of the scientific research for a less vulnerable and more resilient community: the Val d’Agri (Southern Italy) case S. Loperte et al. 10.1080/19475705.2018.1550113
- A two-year database of BC measurements at the biggest European crude oil pre-treatment plant: a comparison with organic gaseous compounds and PM10 loading M. Calvello et al. 10.1016/j.atmosres.2015.05.004
- Investigation of black and brown carbon multiple-wavelength-dependent light absorption from biomass and fossil fuel combustion source emissions M. Olson et al. 10.1002/2014JD022970
- An integrated approach for the evaluation of technological hazard impacts on air quality: the case of the Val d'Agri oil/gas plant M. Calvello et al. 10.5194/nhess-14-2133-2014