A coupled experimental-modelling approach to estimate black carbon concentrations at urban level

Abstract

Mobile measurements of black carbon are made in the city center of Liège (Belgium) to evaluate the contribution of this, not yet regulated pollutant, to the ambient air particulate matter level. By means of the CANSBC model, we intend to determine the part due to traffic and, furthermore, to make the distinction between direct emissions and recirculation, depending on meteorological and geometric parameters, in street canyons. Background concentrations are, on one hand, directly measured at one station, and on the other hand, estimated via the Lagrangian Austal2000 model, fed with domestic heating emissions. Short-term experiments, led at six selected sites, are used to calibrate the model, which will be further extended to the whole city.