A study of black carbon and related measurements from Ireland's atmospheric composition and climate change network
Spohn, Teresa Kristine
Spohn, Teresa Kristine
Loading...
Publication Date
2021-10-04
Type
Thesis
Downloads
Citation
Abstract
A national aethalometer network for monitoring black carbon was developed at three Irish regional stations (Mace Head, Malin Head, and Carnsore Point) as part of Ireland’s Atmospheric Composition and Climate Change (AC3) Network in 2017. This work provides an extensive analysis of black carbon in combination with other network data in order to assess the broader scope of the network’s capabilities to monitor the impact of local, regional, and trans-boundary air masses on the measurements. Results show 33% of black carbon arrives at Carnsore Point from the east, while the wind is only from that direction 14% of the time. A comparison of the aethalometer biomass burning function against levoglucosan indicates the instrument default settings are adequate for this environment. Analysis of organic carbon and PM1 organics measurements showed PM1 organics comprise only between 40-60% of total organic matter. This is confirmed through the mass closure experiment for both PM10 and PM2.5. High particle counts were evaluated using a CPC and SMPS and occur most frequently in the summer months during low tides, with very small particle diameters indicative of new particle formation. The Covid-19 lockdown restrictions impacted regional pollution levels as indicated by a 5.6% reduction in ozone measured at rural stations compared to a 13.7% increase in suburban areas. The study concludes with a preliminary look at how the network data can be applied toward modelling applications, laying the groundwork for future research and improved models and emissions inventories.
Funder
Irish Research Council
Environmental Protection Agency
Environmental Protection Agency
Publisher
NUI Galway