cen:proj:83785

Methods for the determination of black carbon mass concentration, aerosol light absorption coefficient and derived optical parameters in ambient air cen:proj:83785

Scope

This document specifies reference measurement methods and calibration and traceability procedures for the determination of black carbon mass concentration and aerosol light absorption coefficient in ambient air. It also establishes methods for calculating derived optical parameters, including the mass absorption cross-section, single scattering albedo, and the absorption Ångström exponent.

The document is applicable to instruments that determine aerosol light absorption using direct measurement methods, such as photothermal interferometry and photoacoustic techniques, and indirect approaches, such as extinction-minus-scattering and light-attenuation methods. It does not apply to instruments that infer refractory black carbon mass concentration using incandescence-based techniques.