Characteristics of black carbon aerosol in Jiaxing, China during autumn 2013

• Black carbon (BC) aerosol in Jiaxing, China was measured from Sep. 26 to Nov. 30, 2013.
• Temporal and diurnal variations of BC and influences of meteorology factors on BC were discussed.
• Absorption coefficient of BC was 44.4 Mm−1, constituting 11.1% of the total aerosol extinction.

We conducted measurements of black carbon (BC) aerosol in Jiaxing, China during autumn from September 26 to November 30, 2013. We investigated temporal and diurnal variations of BC, and its correlations with meteorological parameters and other major pollutants. Results showed that hourly mass concentrations of BC ranged from 0.2 to 22.0 μg/m3, with an average of 5.1 μg/m3. The diurnal variation of BC exhibited a bimodal distribution, with peaks at 07:00 and 18:00. The morning peak was larger than the evening peak. The mass percentages of BC in PM2.5 and PM10 were 7.1% and 4.8%, respectively. The absorption coefficient of BC was calculated to be 44.4 Mm−1, which accounted for 11.1% of the total aerosol extinction. BC was mainly emitted from local sources in southwestern Jiaxing where BC concentrations were generally greater than 11 μg/m3 during the measurement period. Correlation analysis indicated that the main sources of BC were motor vehicle exhaust, and domestic and industrial combustion.

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