newspost

This study led by Marjan Savadkoohi evaluates the Absorption Ångström Exponent (AAE) approach for equivalent black carbon (eBC) source apportionment, addressing its strengths and limitations when distinguishing between liquid and solid fuels sources. Using a comprehensive multi-site dataset across Europe, this study recommend an optimized methodology for determining site-specific AAE values, enhancing the accuracy of eBC source attribution across diverse environments. Key Findings:  Site-specific AAE calibration significantly improves eBC source differentiation.  Constant AAE values lead to misclassification, especially in regions with high brown carbon (BrC) contributions. The integration of chemical tracers and multi-wavelength absorption data is essential for refining optical source apportionment. This research provides valuable insights for air quality monitoring, emission regulation, and climate modeling. Check out the full article here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2025.121121

This study led by Marjan Savadkoohi examines two locations in the Los Angeles Basin—Central LA (CELA) and Rubidoux (RIVR)—leveraging comprehensive PM2.5 chemical speciation datasets and aerosol absorption coefficients measured by an Aethalometer (AE33). Through multi-time source apportionment (MT-PMF), the research uncovers factor profiles and temporal variations, providing critical insights into source-specific characteristics of fine particulate matter. By overcoming the limitations of a priori assumptions in Aethalometer optical apportionment, this work advances our understanding of urban air pollution sources and their dynamic behavior. Check out the full article here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.178095

The RI-URBANS training series on the harmonized measurements of emerging pollutants continues! In collaboration with AQUILA, ACTRIS, and the EEA, we recently held our third training session focusing on Equivalent Black Carbon on 11th January 2025. During this session, experts provided in-depth discussions on the critical role of Equivalent Black Carbon (BC) monitoring,  advanced methodologies for BC measurment,  scientific and regulatory value of BC data, the mandatory measurement requirements at supersites, and best practices for quality assurance and control reinforcing the session align with the new EU Air Quality Directive (2024/2881). you can now access the Slides & Video from the third training event. Detailed agenda and links for all the training sessions can be found here. For more information please contact Tuukka Petäjä (tuukka.petaja@helsinki.fi) and Xavier Querol (xavier.querol@idaea.csic.es)

The RI-URBANS training series on the harmonized measurements of emerging pollutants continues! In collaboration with AQUILA, ACTRIS, and the EEA, we recently held our second training session focusing on Aerosol Particle Number Size Distribution on 27th January 2025. This session covered key methodologies for measuring particle size distributions, aligning with the new EU Air Quality Directive (2024/2881). A big thank you to all participants for their engagement! You can now access the Slides & Video from the second training event. Upcoming Training #3: Equivalent Black Carbon Date: 11th February 2025 Time: 09:30 – 11:30 CET Detailed agenda and links for all the training sessions can be found here. For more information please contact Tuukka Petäjä (tuukka.petaja@helsinki.fi) and Xavier Querol (xavier.querol@idaea.csic.es)