Measurement of black carbon aerosols in the atmosphere of two different source regions: Real‐time data for the Paris region and a savanna site of the Ivory Coast

Abstract

Black carbon samples were collected and analysed in real‐time with an aethalometer in two different source regions. Experiments took place at Gif sur Yvette in the Paris region, heavily polluted by atmospheric inputs from fossil fuel combustions and at Lamto, during the dry season, a savanna site in the Ivory Coast primarily contaminated by biomass burning pollutants. At both sites, black carbon concentrations are high, pointing out the intensity of the various combustion sources prevailing in these regions. At Gif sur Yvette, the Cb aerosol content is highly variable (concentrations are included in the range 0.3–15 μgC.m⁻³), reflecting either variable meteorological patterns or automotive rush hours. At Lamto, during a season with established meteorological parameters, there is an important and regular background of biomass burning. Indeed, Cb concentrations display a low variability in the range of 1–4 μgC.m⁻³ which is easily related to atmospheric relative humidity which seems to govern the development of bush fires.

Keywords:

• Black carbon
• aerosol
• real‐time data
• savanna burning
• industrial exhaust