Assessing black carbon sources with aethalometer data and ambient ΔBC/ΔCO ratios analysis.

ABSTRACT: Black Carbon (BC) is a key component of fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) as it has significant health and climate impacts. This paper examines BC source contributions at two urban sites in the Monterrey Metropolitan Area (MMA), one of Latin America's most polluted urban areas. The proposed approach combines the traditional aethalometer model with ambient ΔBC/ΔCO ratios to refine source attribution estimates. Hourly average air quality data (including BC measurements from aethalometer equipment) and meteorological data were collected over one year from two sites: a suburban upwind site and an urban site downwind of major anthropogenic sources. Preliminary data analysis involved assessing correlations between BC and other pollutants, performing Principal Component Analysis, and exp

SUBMITTER: Hernandez IM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12518720 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature