1. Two-dimensional BC tracer model to distinguish between primary and secondary OC : lecture at The European Aerosol Conference 2024, 25. 8.-30. 8. 2024, Tampere, FinlandMatic Ivančič, Asta Gregorič, Gašper Lavrič, Bálint Alföldy, Irena Ježek, Iasonas Stavroulas, Martin Rigler, 2024, unpublished conference contribution Abstract: In this work, we propose an extension of this method. Using the Aethalometer model (Sandradewi et al., 2008), BC as a tracer for primary emitted aerosols can be successfully divided into two components – BCff related to the usage of fossil fuels and BCbb emitted from biomass burning. Because the OC/BC ratio is expected to be different for fossil fuels and biomass burning, we can similarly introduce the two components of POC – a fossil fuel-related POCff and a biomass-burning-related POCbb. Keywords: BC tracer model, secondary organic carbon, black carbon Published in RUNG: 14.11.2024; Views: 277; Downloads: 1 Link to file This document has many files! More... |
2. Particulate air pollution in the heart of the European Union : lessons learned from SAFICA 2017-2018 and SAAERO 2022-2023 projects in Central and Southeast EuropeKatja Džepina, Kristina Glojek, Martin Rigler, Asta Gregorič, Matic Ivančič, Irena Ježek, Griša Močnik, 2024, published scientific conference contribution abstract Abstract: Particularly during the cold weather season, countries of the Southeast Europe are experiencing some of the poorest air quality in the world due to the extensive use of solid fuels and old vehicle fleets. The city of Sarajevo is the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) situated within a basin surrounded by mountains. In the winter months (domestic heating season), topography and meteorology cause the pollutants to be trapped within the city basin. Countries of the Southeast Europe lack state-of-the-art atmospheric sciences research and access to sophisticated instrumentation and methodology, despite high levels of ambient pollution and position within the European Union (EU) borders, making it imperative to understand the emission sources, processing and the adverse health effects of atmospheric aerosol pollution.
This presentation will highlight the field measurements in Central and Southeast Europe during the Sarajevo Canton Winter Field Campaign 2017-2018 (SAFICA) and Sarajevo Aerosol Experiment 2022-2023 (SAAERO) projects, centered at the Sarajevo Bjelave supersite. Both projects were envisioned to produce crucial, not previously available information about aerosol emission sources and atmospheric transformations through a combination of online field and offline laboratory measurements. Online measurements during a) SAFICA and b) SAAERO included, a) black carbon, particle number and size distribution, and b) carbonaceous species, elemental composition and bulk chemical composition. SAAERO online measurements also included stationary and mobile measurements of gas- and particle-phase species on board the mobile laboratory in Sarajevo and Zenica, BiH, as well as in Ljubljana, Slovenia and Zagreb, Croatia. Finally, extended SAAERO project included measurements of black carbon at three additional urban centers: Ljubljana, Zagreb, and Belgrade, Serbia, enabling the first comparison of urban air quality in Central and Southeast Europe between two EU and two non-EU capitals.
During both projects, laboratory aerosol analyses determined aerosol bulk chemical composition, selected elements (Huremović et al., 2020; Žero et al., 2022) and molecular species (Pehnec et al., 2020). Aerosol chemical composition determined by aerosol mass spectrometry was further analyzed by Positive Matrix Factorization to separate organic aerosol into subtypes characteristic of specific sources and atmospheric processes. Aerosol oxidative potential was also determined to evaluate aerosol ability to generate reactive oxygen species. Sarajevo and Belgrade have high ambient loadings of aerosol and black carbon, indicative of strong and diverse combustion sources and a major public health hazard. Finally, aerosol surface concentrations will be discussed in the context of European air quality.
We thank Jasminka Džepina, Magee Scientific/Aerosol, TSI and Aerodyne for support. We acknowledge the contribution of the COST Action CA16109 COLOSSAL and SEE Change Net. KDž and ASHP acknowledge the grant by the Swiss NSF (Scientific Exchanges IZSEZ0_189495), KDž, GM and ASHP European Commission SAAERO grant (EU H2020 MSCA-IF 2020 #101028909), GM Slovenian ARIS grant (P1-0385), SF Croatian HRZZ grant (BiREADI IP-2018-01-3105), and AG, MR, MI, BA and IBJ Slovenian ARIS grant (L1-4386).
Pehnec, G., et al., Sci. Tot. Environ., 734, 139414, 2020.
Huremović, J., et al., Air Qual. Atmos. Health, 13, 965–976, 2020.
Žero, S., Žužul, S., et al., Environ. Sci. Technol., 56, 7052−7062, 2022. Keywords: air pollution, sources of pollution, PMF Published in RUNG: 18.03.2024; Views: 2324; Downloads: 7 Full text (314,28 KB) This document has many files! More... |
3. Heating rate and energy gradient from the tropics to the North PoleLuca Ferrero, Martin Rigler, Asta Gregorič, Griša Močnik, 2024, published scientific conference contribution abstract Abstract: Absorbing aerosol species, such as Black (BC) and Brown (BrC) Carbon, are able to warm the atmosphere. The role of aerosols is one of the least clear aspects in the so called “Arctic Amplification” (AA) and up to now this was mostly modelled [1,2]. For this reason, we took part in four scientific cruises (AREX, Arctic-Expedition, summer 2018, 2019, 2021 and EUREC4A, 2020) in the North Atlantic, eastward and south-eastward of Barbados, aiming at the determination of the aerosol chemical composition and properties from the Tropics to the North Pole.
The Heating Rate (HR) was experimentally determined at 1 minute time-resolution along different latitudes by means of an innovative methodology [3], obtained by cumulatively taking into account the aerosol optical properties, i.e. the absorption coefficients (measured by AE33 Aethalometer) and incident radiation (direct, diffuse and reflected) across the entire solar spectrum. The HR computed along AREX and in Milan (in the same period) were used to determine the energy gradient, due to the LAA induced heat storage at mid-latitudes, which contributes to AA through the atmospheric heat transport northward.
Moreover, aerosol chemical composition was achieved by means of sampling via high volume sampler (ECHO-PUF Tecora) and analysis via ion chromatography, TCA08 for Total Carbon content, Aethalometer AE33 (for BC), ICP-OES for elements.
A clear latitudinal behaviour in Black Carbon concentrations, with the highest values at low latitudes (e.g. average BC concentration in Gdansk up to 1507±75 ng/m3) and a progressive decrease moving northwards and away from the big Arctic settlements (Black Carbon concentrations within the 81st parallel: 5±1 ng/m3).
According to the latitudinal behaviour of BC concentrations and solar radiation (decreases towards the north while the diffuse component increases), HR decreases noticeably towards the Arctic: e.g. higher in the harbor of Gdansk (0.290±0.010 K/day) followed by the Baltic Sea (0.04±0.01 K/day), the Norvegian Sea (0.010±0.010 K/day) and finally with the lowest values in the pure Arctic Ocean (0.003±0.001 K/day). Accordingly, the energy density added to the system by the aerosol, a positive forcing that differs by 2 orders of magnitude between mid-latitudes and North Pole was found: 347.3 ± 11.8 J/m3 (Milan), 244.8 ± 12.2 J/m3 (Gdansk) and 2.6 ± 0.2 J/m3 (80°N). These results highlight the presence of a great energy gradient between mid-latitudes and Arctic that can trigger a heat transport towards the Arctic. Moreover this was strengthen by the HR value for EUREC4A in Barbados that was 0.175±0.003 K/day. Finally, preliminary results from Antarctica collected onboard the Italian RV Laura Bassi cruising the Southern Ocean and the Ross Sea will be shown.
Acknoledgements: GEMMA Center, Project TECLA MIUR – Dipartimenti di Eccellenza 2023–2027. JPI EUREC4A-OA project. CAIAC (oCean Atmosphere Interactions in the Antarctic regions and Convergence latitude) PNRA project
References
[1] Navarro, J. C. A. et al. (2016) Nat. Geosci. 9, 277–281.
[2] Shindell, D. and Faluvegi, G. (2009) Nat. Geosci. 2, 294–300.
[3] Ferrero, L. et al. (2018) Environ. Sci. Technol. 52, 3546 3555. Keywords: blackcarbon, brown carbon, atmospheric heating rate, climate change Published in RUNG: 18.03.2024; Views: 1548; Downloads: 24 Full text (291,43 KB) This document has many files! More... |
4. Contribution of black carbon and desert dust to aerosol absorption in the atmosphere of the Eastern Arabian PeninsulaMohamed M. K. Mahfouz, Gregor Skok, Jean Sciare, Michael Pikridas, M. R. Alfarra, Shamjad Moosakutty, Bálint Alföldy, Matic Ivančič, Martin Rigler, Asta Gregorič, Rok Podlipec, Griša Močnik, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: Discriminating the absorption coefficients of aerosol mineral dust and black carbon (BC) in different aerosol size fractions is a challenge because of BC's large mass absorption cross-section compared to dust. Ambient aerosol wavelength dependent absorption coefficients in supermicron and submicron size fractions were determined with a high time resolution. The measurements were performed simultaneously using identical systems at an urban and a regional background site in Qatar. At each site, measurements were taken by co-located Aethalometers, one with a virtual impactor (VI) and the other with a PM1 cyclone to respectively collect super-micron-enhanced and submicron fractions. The combined measurement of aerosol absorption and scattering coefficients enabled the particles to be classified based on their optical properties' wavelength dependence. The classification reveals the presence of BC internally/externally mixed with different aerosols. Helium ion microscopy images provided information concerning the extent of mineral dust in the submicron fraction. The determination of absorption coefficients during dust storms and non-dust periods was used to establish the absorption Ångström exponent for dust and BC. Non-parametric wind regression, potential source contribution function and back-trajectory analysis reveal major regional sources of desert dust associated with north-westerly winds and a minor local dust contribution. In contrast, major BC sources found locally were associated with south-westerly winds with a smaller contribution made by offshore emissions transported by north-easterly and easterly winds. The use of a pair of Aethalometers with VI and PM1 inlets separates contributions of BC and dust to the aerosol absorption coefficient. Keywords: aerosol absorption, black carbon, mineral dust, desert dust, Arabian Peninsula Published in RUNG: 29.02.2024; Views: 1833; Downloads: 11 Full text (18,90 MB) This document has many files! More... |
5. Prispevek zunanjih in notranjih virov ogljičnih delcev v različnih tipih stanovanjskih stavb : magistrsko deloKlemen Levičnik, 2024, master's thesis Abstract: Ogljični delci (del PM2,5) pomembno vplivajo na kakovost zraka. Sestavljeni so iz dveh frakcij, črnega ogljika (BC) in organskih delcev in so v večji meri posledica človeških aktivnosti, saj nastajajo pri nepopolnem zgorevanju ogljičnih goriv. Glede na optične lastnosti ločimo črni ogljik (BC), ki najbolj efektivno absorbira svetlobo preko celotnega spektra, in rjavi ogljik (BrC), ki absorbira v UV in modrem delu spektra. Kakovost zraka v notranjih prostorih zavisi od infiltracije delcev iz zunanjega zraka in notranjih virov. V kurilnih sezonah med leti 2021 in 2023 smo na jugovzhodnem delu Ljubljanske kotline merili koncentracije BC v zunanjem in notranjem zraku v treh različnih stanovanjskih stavbah (Novogradnja – NG, Kmečka hiša – KH, Povprečna hiša – SV) in na podlagi optičnih lastnosti določili delež BC iz prometa (%BCFF) in zgorevanja lesa (%BCWB). Preko sočasnih meritev CO2 smo ocenili tesnost stavbnega ovoja. Ugotovili smo, da kurjenje lesa v hladnejših mesecih pomembno vpliva na kakovost zunanjega zraka. Največjo tesnost stavbnega ovoja smo pričakovali pri NG, kjer sklepamo, da onesnažila v stavbo prihajajo preko rekuperacijskega sistema. Kljub temu smo v NG zabeležili najnižje povprečne urne koncentracije BC v notranjem zraku (1 µg/m3, 40 % BC glede na koncentracije v zunanjem zraku). Največjo tesnost stavbnega ovoja smo izmerili pri SV, kjer smo v prvem obdobju zabeležili 1 µg/m3 BC (60 % glede na zunanji zrak) in 1,7 µg/m3 (20 %) v drugem obdobju. Najvišje koncentracije BC smo izmerili v kmečki hiši (4 µg/m3 - 10 % in 2,8 µg/m3 - 60 %), kjer so višje koncentracije posledica slabe tesnosti stavbnega ovoja in prisotnosti intenzivnih notranjih virov delcev. Za vzdrževanje kakovosti zraka v stavbah odsvetujemo uporabo zastarelih kurilnih naprav, priporočeno pa je zračenje okoli poldneva, ko so zunanje koncentracije najnižje. Pri starejših stavbah je smiselna zamenjava dotrajanih oken in vrat, kar bi zmanjšalo potrebo po ogrevanju, pri novogradnjah z rekuperacijskim sistemom pa je smiselno poskrbeti za ustrezno filtriranje zunanjega zraka. Keywords: ogljični aerosoli, črni ogljik, stanovanjske stavbe, viri onesnaženja, zrakotesnost, magistrske naloge Published in RUNG: 09.02.2024; Views: 2117; Downloads: 28 Full text (3,23 MB) |
6. A device and a method for complete carbonaceous aerosol analysis in real time : European patent application EP4033242A1, 25. 8. 2021Asta Gregorič, Matic Ivančič, Martin Rigler, 2022, patent application Abstract: The present invention belongs to the field of methods and devices for analysing materials by determining their chemical or physical properties by the use of thermos-optical means. The invention relates to a device and a method for complete carbonaceous aerosol analysis in real time, which is essentially a system combining two different instruments, wherein the first instrument measures total carbon (TC) using flash heating of collected aerosol samples and generation of CO2, while the second instrument performs an optical attenuation analysis at 7 wavelengths from near UV (370 nm) to near IR range (950 nm) in order to characterize a Black Carbon (BC/EC) aerosols accumulated on a glass-fiber/PTFE filter tape. The device, i.e., the system of said instruments, collects and processes collected data of both instruments, wherein said processing may be performed by any of the instruments or by a separate processing means, computer or computer application. Keywords: carbonaceous aerosol, black carbon, total carbon, brown carbon Published in RUNG: 02.02.2024; Views: 1508; Downloads: 12 Full text (4,44 MB) This document has many files! More... |
7. Determining the Aethalometer multiple scattering enhancement factor C from the filter loading parameterLuca Ferrero, Niccolò Losi, Martin Rigler, Asta Gregorič, C. Colombi, L. D'Angelo, E. Cuccia, A. M. Cefalì, I. Gini, A. Doldi, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: Light-absorbing aerosols heat the atmosphere; an accurate quantification of their absorption coefficient is mandatory. However, standard reference instruments (CAPS, MAAP, PAX, PTAAM) are not always available at each measuring site around the world.
By integrating all previous published studies concerning the Aethalometers, the AE33 filter loading parameter, provided by the dual-spot algorithm, were used to determine the multiple scattering enhancement factor from the Aethalometer itself (hereinafter CAE) on an yearly and a monthly basis. The method was developed in Milan, where Aethalometer measurements were compared with MAAP data; the comparison showed a good agreement in terms of equivalent black carbon (R2 = 0.93; slope = 1.02 and a negligible intercept = 0.12 μg m−3) leading to a yearly experimental multiple scattering enhancement factor of 2.51 ± 0.04 (hereinafter CMAAP). On a yearly time base the CAE values obtained using the new approach was 2.52 ± 0.01, corresponding to the experimental one (CMAAP). Considering the seasonal behavior, higher experimental CMAAP and computed CAE values were found in summer (2.83 ± 0.12) whereas, the lower ones in winter/early-spring (2.37 ± 0.03), in agreement with the single scattering albedo behavior in the Po Valley.
Overall, the agreement between the experimental CMAAP and CAE showed a root mean squared error (RMSE) of just 0.038 on the CMAAP prediction, characterized by a slope close to 1 (1.001 ± 0.178), a negligible intercept (−0.002 ± 0.455) and a high degree of correlation (R2 = 0.955). From an environmental point of view, the application of a dynamic (space/time) determination of CAE increases the accuracy of the aerosol heating rate (compared to applying a fixed C value) up to 16 % solely in Milan, and to 114 % when applied in the Arctic at 80°N. Keywords: aethalometer, C factor, loading parameter, MAAP, heating rate Published in RUNG: 02.02.2024; Views: 1952; Downloads: 15 Full text (3,18 MB) |
8. Optical properties and simple forcing efficiency of the organic aerosols and black carbon emitted by residential wood burning in rural Central EuropeAndrea Cuesta-Mosquera, Kristina Glojek, Griša Močnik, Luka Drinovec, Asta Gregorič, Martin Rigler, Matej Ogrin, Baseerat Romshoo, Kay Weinhold, Maik Merkel, 2024, original scientific article Abstract: Abstract. Recent years have seen an increase in the use of wood for energy production of over 30 %, and this trend is expected to continue due to the current energy crisis and geopolitical instability. At present, residential wood burning (RWB) is one of the most important sources of organic aerosols (OA) and black carbon (BC). While BC is recognized for its large light absorption cross-section, the role of OA in light absorption is still under evaluation due to their heterogeneous composition and source-dependent optical properties. Studies that characterize wood-burning aerosol emissions in Europe typically focus on urban and background sites and only cover BC properties. However, RWB is more prevalent in rural areas, and the present scenario indicates that an improved understanding of the RWB aerosol optical properties and their subsequent connection to climate impacts is necessary for rural areas. We have characterized atmospheric aerosol particles from a central European rural site during wintertime in the village of Retje in Loški Potok, Slovenia, from 01.12.2017 to 07.03.2018. The village experienced extremely high aerosol concentrations produced by RWB and near-ground temperature inversion. The isolated location of the site and the substantial local emissions made it an ideal laboratory-like place for characterizing RWB aerosols with low influence from non-RWB sources under ambient conditions. The mean mass concentrations of OA and BC were 34.8 µg m-3 (max = 271.8 µg m-3) and 3.1 µg m-3 (max = 24.3 µg m-3), respectively. The mean total particle number concentration (10–600 nm) was 9.9 x 103 particles cm-3 (max = 53.5 x 103 particles cm-3). The mean total light absorption coefficient at 370 nm and 880 nm measured by an Aethalometer AE33 were 122.8 Mm-1 and 15.3 Mm-1 and had maximum values of 1103.9 Mm-1 and 179.1 Mm-1, respectively. The aerosol concentrations and absorption coefficients measured during the campaign in Loški Potok were significantly larger than those reported values for several urban areas in the region with larger populations and extent of aerosol sources. Here, considerable contributions from brown carbon (BrC) to the total light absorption were identified, reaching up to 60 % and 48 % in the near UV (370 nm) and blue (470 nm) wavelengths. These contributions are up to three times higher than values reported for other sites impacted by wood-burning emissions. The calculated mass absorption cross-section and the absorption Ångström exponent for RWB OA were MACOA, 370 nm= 2.4 m2 g-1, and AAEBrC, 370–590 nm= 3.9, respectively. Simple forcing efficiency (SFE) calculations were performed as a sensitivity analysis to evaluate the climate impact of the RWB aerosols produced at the study site by integrating the optical properties measured during the campaign. The SFE results show a considerable forcing capacity from the local RWB aerosols, with a high sensitivity to OA absorption properties and a more substantial impact over bright surfaces like snow, typical during the coldest season with higher OA emissions from RWB. Our study's results are highly significant regarding air pollution, optical properties, and climate impact. The findings suggest that there may be an underestimation of RWB emissions in rural Europe and that further investigation is necessary. Keywords: wood-burning aerosols, optical characterization, black carbon, rural areas Published in RUNG: 10.01.2024; Views: 1809; Downloads: 11 Full text (1,99 MB) This document has many files! More... |
9. Anthropic settlementsʹ impact on the light-absorbing aerosol concentrations and heating rate in the arcticNiccolò Losi, Piotr Markuszewski, Martin Rigler, Asta Gregorič, Griša Močnik, Violetta Drozdowska, Przemek Makuch, Tymon Zielinski, Paulina Pakszys, Małgorzata Kitowska, 2023, original scientific article Abstract: Light-absorbing aerosols (LAA) impact the atmosphere by heating it. Their effect in the Arctic was investigated during two summer Arctic oceanographic campaigns (2018 and 2019) around the Svalbard Archipelago in order to unravel the differences between the Arctic background and the local anthropic settlements. Therefore, the LAA heating rate (HR) was experimentally determined. Both the chemical composition and high-resolution measurements highlighted substantial differences between the Arctic Ocean background (average eBC concentration of 11.7 ± 0.1 ng/m3) and the human settlements, among which the most impacting appeared to be Tromsø and Isfjorden (mean eBC of 99.4 ± 3.1 ng/m3). Consequently, the HR in Isfjorden (8.2 × 10−3 ± 0.3 × 10−3 K/day) was one order of magnitude higher than in the pristine background conditions (0.8 × 10−3 ± 0.9 × 10−5 K/day). Therefore, we conclude that the direct climate impact of local LAA sources on the Arctic atmosphere is not negligible and may rise in the future due to ice retreat and enhanced marine traffic. Keywords: light-absorbing aerosols, black carbon, climate change, heating rate Published in RUNG: 21.12.2023; Views: 1888; Downloads: 32 Full text (3,57 MB) This document has many files! More... |
10. Highly time-resolved apportionment of carbonaceous aerosols from wildfire using the TC-BC method : camp fire 2018 case studyMatic Ivančič, Martin Rigler, Bálint Alföldy, Gašper Lavrič, Irena Ježek, Asta Gregorič, 2023, original scientific article Keywords: black carbon, brown carbon, carbonaceous aerosol, wildfire, air quality, CASS Published in RUNG: 06.06.2023; Views: 1963; Downloads: 16 Full text (18,34 MB) This document has many files! More... |