Integrating Low-Cost Sensors and Black Carbon Measurement for Better Air Quality Management in Europe and Beyond

Black Carbon (BC) is a crucial indicator of combustion-related pollution with significant health and climate implications; however, affordable, reliable, and easy-to-operate BC monitoring solutions remain limited. This presentation explores the integration of a novel BC Module into Clarity’s low-cost sensor (LCS) platform, and its implications for air quality management in the European Union and beyond.

Long-term collocated measurements of the Clarity BC Module across varied environmental conditions in California, Colorado, and Florida demonstrate high accuracy (R² > 0.8) when benchmarked against a research-grade aethalometer. In early 2024, nine BC Modules were deployed in Perth, Australia to supplement the existing network of Clarity PM_2.5 sensors. Using a source apportionment model, we found that diurnal and spatial variability in BC mass concentrations linked to fossil fuel combustion was greater than that of PM_2.5, suggesting that city-wide BC monitoring can highlight spatial and temporal hotspots in local traffic emissions. Additionally, a strong correlation between PM_2.5 and BC levels attributed to biomass burning emerged during periods impacted by nearby brush fires. While monitoring PM_2.5 mass concentration is essential for evaluating air quality, integrating BC measurements can provide deeper insights into spatial, temporal, and source-specific air quality variability, enhancing our ability to manage and mitigate pollution sources effectively.

This session highlights how LCS, especially when integrated with black carbon measurement, can enhance air quality management in urban and rural areas across Europe and beyond. In the wake of the European Parliament’s adoption of the revised Ambient Air Quality Directive (April 2024), this session will explore the joint role of LCS and black carbon measurement in achieving Europe’s ambitious air quality goals. The directive mandates stricter pollution limits for particulate matter (PM_2.5 and PM₁₀) and introduces a requirement for BC monitoring, acknowledging its pivotal role in source attribution and pollution reduction strategies. By incorporating BC monitoring into existing PM_2.5 networks, cities, and regions can achieve a more detailed understanding of pollution sources, such as traffic and biomass burning, enabling targeted interventions to reduce emissions and meet stricter limits.