Carbonaceous Aerosol Analysis Tool CAAT Software Package For Data Analysis
KLEMEN KUNSTELJ, Matej Zemljak, Matic Ivančič, Asta Gregorič, Martin Rigler,
Aerosol d.o.o. Abstract Number: 22
Working Group: Carbonaceous Aerosol
AbstractIntroduction
Carbonaceous aerosols are usually the most significant contributor to fine particulate matter (PM2.5). They are frequently separated into organic carbon (OC) and elemental carbon (EC) based on their volatility using thermal-optical methods.
The Aethalometer model AE33 collects aerosol particles continuously by drawing the aerosol-laden air stream through a spot on the filter tape. It analyzes the aerosol by measuring light transmission at seven wavelengths through one portion of the filter tape containing the sample versus the transmission through an unloaded part of the filter tape acting as a reference area. The Magee Scientific Total Carbon Analyzer, Model TCA08, is a newly developed scientific instrument that measures the Total Carbon Content ("TC") of suspended aerosol particles in near real-time using a simplified thermal method (Rigler et al., 2020).
The combination of Total Carbon Analyzer TCA08 and the Magee Scientific Aethalometer® model AE33 provides a novel approach for measuring TC, eBC, OC, EC, Brown Carbon content of suspended aerosol particles in near-real-time with high-time resolution.
Abstract Review
The CAAT abbreviation stands for Carbonaceous Aerosol Analysis Tool and is a software tool for analyzing data from the AE33 Aethalometer® and the TCA08 Total Carbon Analyzer.
Its main progression tasks are as follows: Import, Validation and Analysis procedures, such as diurnal profiles, Time averages, Absorption coefficient, Angstrom exponent, Attenuation, Source Apportionment, concentration determination of some most relevant carbonaceous aerosol species (Total Carbon, Elemental Carbon, Organic Carbon, Black and Brown Carbon).
With this work, we want to show the importance and capabilities of the newly developed Analytical software to indicate and forecast particular trends and seasonal variations of concentrations of the specific carbonaceous aerosols.
References
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