Articles tagged with Black Carbon
Exposure to certain air pollutants is associated with a greater likelihood of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2. The study found a significant link between traffic-related pollutants and COVID-19 infection risk, suggesting that improving air quality may have public health benefits.
Researchers found that brown carbon from biomass burning contributes significantly to Arctic warming, exceeding previous estimates. The study highlights the importance of wildfire mitigation and suggests a positive feedback loop where increased wildfires emit more brown carbon aerosols, further heating the earth.
A Rice University-led study finds that gas flaring from oil and gas fields in the US contributed to dozens of premature deaths in 2019 due to black carbon particle emissions. The researchers estimated that 26-53 deaths were directly attributable to air quality associated with flares.
The study found that black carbon decreased significantly in Beijing since the implementation of the Clean Air Action Plan, with a 71% reduction over nine years. However, this decrease was not accompanied by an equivalent decrease in aerosol extinction coefficient, leading to mixed effects on optical properties.
Researchers have standardized black carbon measurements in the Arctic, improving our understanding of climate change. By correlating absorption coefficients with COSMOS measurements, they derived reliable conversion factors for various instruments, enabling more accurate climate modeling and air quality assessments.
A recent study by NTU Singapore has found a strong link between increasing air pollution and the rise of lung adenocarcinoma, a type of cancer. The study also discovered that declining smoking rates are associated with lower incidence of lung squamous cell carcinoma.
Research found strong correlation between Arctic black carbon abundance and mid-latitude biomass burning, indicating models underestimate BC contribution from biomass burning by a factor of three. This has significant implications for Arctic warming and climate change.
New research shows that climate models are underestimating the warming effect of black carbon aerosols transported over the South-East Atlantic. The study, led by Dr Marc Mallet, found that biomass-burning aerosols can lead to an increase in absorbed sunlight, potentially warming the climate system.
A new study reveals that early human activities, specifically Māori burning practices in New Zealand over 700 years ago, impacted the Earth's atmosphere more than previously known. The increase in black carbon levels in Antarctic ice cores supports this conclusion.
A new study finds that early-life exposure to tobacco smoke is associated with accelerated biological ageing in children. The analysis of over 1,000 children in six European countries revealed that maternal tobacco smoke during pregnancy and indoor exposure to black carbon are linked to an acceleration in epigenetic ageing.
Researchers developed a biodegradable supercapacitor that can store electricity for hours, withstand thousands of charge cycles, and degrade naturally. The device uses a combination of cellulose nanofibers, carbon, and glycerin to achieve its capabilities.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a process to convert waste rubber tires into graphene, which can strengthen concrete and reduce carbon emissions. The new material has shown significant gains in compressive strength when blended with Portland cement.
In a study published in Environmental Pollution, researchers found that strict emission controls contributed to a decline in black carbon loading in urban Beijing. The aerosols became 'slim', with smaller core sizes and less coatings, indicating reduced solar radiation absorption and improved air quality.
Researchers are tracking black carbon from West Coast wildfires to study its impact on the global carbon cycle and global warming. The first flush of carbon and nutrients from burned land has been captured for the first time, revealing a previously unknown pathway in the chain that connects fire-derived black carbon to the deep ocean.
Researchers find dust plays a significant role in melting snow in the western Himalayas, with implications for agriculture and human consumption. The study suggests that dust affects snowmelt at high elevations more than soot and other pollutants.
A new study found that China's success in reducing air pollutants such as sulphur dioxide, black carbon, and organic carbon may exacerbate global warming. The reductions, achieved through stringent measures, led to notable public health benefits but also changed the radiative forcing of the earth's temperature.
Researchers found that burned organic matter in sediments ejected from the Chicxulub impact crater likely contributed to the mass extinction event. The analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) suggests a fossil source origin and rapid heating, consistent with rock material ejected during the asteroid impact.
A recent study by Colorado State University atmospheric scientists aims to settle the debate on black carbon's impact on cloud formation. The research found that black carbon is not as important as previously thought for ice particle formation in mid-level clouds.
Research reveals that rivers play a crucial role in transporting burned carbon from wildfires and managed burning to oceans, where it can be stored for tens of millennia. The study estimates that 18 million tonnes of dissolved burned carbon are transported annually by rivers.
Research reveals that organic carbon particles in cookstove emissions are equally potent agents of atmospheric warming as black carbon, with potential health risks from high molecular weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The study's findings have significant implications for regional climate change and Paris Agreement targets.
A new framework reconciles model simulations with laboratory and empirical observations, providing a more accurate understanding of black carbon's climate forcing effect. The study finds that black carbon particles are not uniformly coated, resulting in lower absorption rates than models suggest, but still contribute to climate warming.
Researchers discovered that black carbon catalyzes sulfate production during regional haze events in the North China Plain, leading to significant air quality issues. The study suggests reducing SO2, NOx, NH3, and black carbon emissions is crucial to improve air quality.
A study found that biomass burning in Amazonia can enhance tropical glaciers in the Andes, with aerosols like black carbon increasing melting by 3-4% or 6%. The impact depends on dust content in snow, highlighting climate pressure from global food demand
International researchers have found that most of the black carbon transported to the Atlantic Ocean is 'young' and likely results from recent forest fires. The study, published in Nature Communications, used radiometric dating and molecular composition analysis to quantify and characterize the black carbon flowing in the Amazon River.
Research reveals oceanic black carbon differs significantly from riverine dissolved black carbon, raising fundamental questions about its origin and fate. The new technique uses stable carbon isotope analysis to track terrestrial sources of black carbon in the ocean.
A Swedish study found that long-term exposure to traffic exhaust at home increases the risk of stroke in low-pollution environments. The researchers discovered that black carbon from traffic exhaust was the primary culprit, with a 4% increased risk for every 0.3 micrograms per cubic meter.
Professional drivers, including taxi drivers, experience high levels of black carbon exposure while working in congested cities. Research found that taxi drivers are exposed to an average of 6.5 micrograms of black carbon per cubic meter of air, compared to office workers at home who experience similar levels.
Scientists at Institute of Atmospheric Physics use a new method to track pollution from cooking by applying a black carbon tracer. COA contributes 15-27% to total organic aerosol in summer and even more than 10% during heating periods, with significant enhancements of coal combustion emissions.
A study by ISGlobal found that women using kerosene lamps for lighting had significantly higher exposure to black carbon particles, leading to increased risk of tuberculosis, respiratory infections, and low birth weight. The study's findings highlight the need for alternative energy sources in rural areas.
Researchers developed an affordable sensor network to track black carbon, a significant contributor to global warming and adverse health outcomes. The study found sharp variations in black carbon levels over short distances and time spans, with truck activity associated with high concentrations.
A new study has found that exposure to diesel pollutants can cause subtle changes in the lungs, making people more prone to developing chronic lung disease. The research, published in the European Respiratory Journal, found that breathing in black carbon from polluted air was associated with an increased volume of peripheral blood vess...
A new tool connects environmental impact of shipping industry to geography, economics and policy choices. Policies such as carbon tax, maintenance regulations and compact urban development could save up to 4,000 lives per year by reducing warming contributions.
A new study warns London cyclists of high black carbon levels on main routes during evening commutes, recommending alternative routes with green infrastructure. The research found that cyclists exposed to the dirtiest air suffered twice as much pollution as those taking a cleaner route.
A study by Stockholm University reveals that biomass burning from neighboring regions exceeds fossil fuel emissions in New Delhi during the fall and winter. The researchers found high levels of black carbon aerosols in the city, posing a significant threat to human health.
A five-year study reveals that fossil fuel combustion accounts for 60% of black carbon in the Arctic, while biomass burning becomes more significant in summer. The research highlights the importance of controlling pollutants to mitigate climate change.
Researchers from seven countries analyzed atmospheric black carbon emissions in the Arctic during winter and summer. The study found that fossil fuel combustion dominated BC emissions in winter and biomass burning in summer, contributing to global warming and climate change.
Researchers have discovered a universal power law describing black carbon's light absorption, which could help climate scientists build more accurate models. The findings suggest that warming due to black carbon may have been underestimated by current climate models.
A new study finds that preindustrial fire emissions were stronger than previously believed, leading to an underestimated cooling effect on past climate. Fire-induced aerosol particles increased cloud brightness and reflected sunlight, offsetting warming from greenhouse gases.
Researchers developed a model that predicts black carbon's direct radiative effect with high accuracy, considering particle size and mixing state. The study finds that accurately describing these factors is crucial to understanding black carbon's contribution to climate change.
A two-year study in Vancouver and Toronto reveals large trucks are the greatest contributors to black carbon emissions close to major roadways. The study suggests retrofitting older diesel trucks with better emission treatment systems can improve air quality in cities.
A review of Asian transport microenvironments found pedestrians exposed to up to 1.6 times higher fine particle levels than in European cities, while car drivers face nine times more pollution. The study highlights a significant gap in research on rural and semi-rural city exposure to air pollution.
Researchers at the University of Zurich discovered that black carbon can age for millennia on land and in rivers before being exported to the ocean, forming a major long-term sink for atmospheric carbon dioxide. This finding adds a significant piece to the puzzle of understanding the global carbon cycle.
A Norwegian study reveals that wood stove emissions have a complex effect on the climate, with black carbon being the primary warming agent. The research suggests that reducing soot emissions from wood stoves could also improve air quality and mitigate health risks.
Researchers created a composite material combining natural rubber with nanocarbons derived from compost, demonstrating improved electrical resistivity and potential applications as sealants and sensors. The study provides an eco-friendly alternative to carbon black fillers, which are commonly used in rubber products.
The Low Emission Zone in Leipzig has significantly reduced the concentration of black carbon and ultrafine particles, which are believed to be most dangerous due to their carcinogenic trace compounds. The reduction of these particles resulted in a significant improvement of air quality and a reduced health risk for the population.
Researchers studied black carbon aerosols from biomass burning under different combustion conditions, finding varying mixing states. The study revealed intense coagulation during flaming combustion, resulting in a thicker coating on rBC particles.
Researchers found algae significantly reduce ice sheet's albedo and contribute to its melting. Algal darkening is responsible for 5-10% of total melt each summer, according to the study.
Researchers used bird specimens to track air pollution levels over 135 years, revealing a sharp drop in black carbon during the Great Depression and a rebound after World War II. The study shows that efforts to address urban smoke pollution had a lasting impact on reducing pollution.
Estimates of early industrial emissions of black carbon are inexact due to limited sampling before the mid-1950s. Researchers found regional black carbon concentrations peaked during the first decade of the 20th century and were linked to coal consumption, with concentrations becoming decoupled after 1960.
Exposure to fine particulate matter and black carbon during daily commutes to school impairs children's cognitive development, according to a new study. The study found an association between air pollution exposure and reduced growth of working memory, with boys being more sensitive than girls.
Researchers have found that significant amounts of black carbon can persist in both pristine and non-pristine areas of snow, impacting climate change predictions. The study used molecular analysis to track the origins of black carbon, finding evidence of wildfires burning thousands of miles away in remote areas.
Researchers found that brown carbon released into the air from wildfires is more likely to travel to the upper levels of the atmosphere, where it can cool or warm the air. Brown carbon appears more likely than black carbon to have a greater impact on climate due to its altitude.
A new analysis by an international research panel suggests that reducing short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) like methane and black carbon could yield major health benefits and slow global warming over the next 25 years. Curbing these emissions would also provide substantial benefits for investing in sustainable development.
Researchers have discovered a new conducting additive, Super P carbon black (SPCB), that exhibits high capacity and cycling stability for reversible lithium and sodium ion storage. SPCB shows a higher capacity for lithium ion storage than sodium ion storage due to its reaction mechanism.
Research discovered that black carbon alters bacteria's ability to survive and combat antibiotics, increasing the risk of infection. The study also found that air pollution can change the way bacteria behave and cause disease.
A new study from the University of Toronto finds that diesel trains can emit nine times higher levels of black carbon and ultrafine particles in cars directly behind locomotives compared to busy city streets. Practical steps for passengers include avoiding front cars during peak emissions periods.
A new study reveals that residential heating and transport are major sources of black carbon in the Russian Arctic, with an estimated 35% and 38% contribution respectively. This finding highlights the importance of reducing black carbon pollution in the region to mitigate climate change.
A study found that physically active children had reduced airway inflammation but also higher exposure to black carbon and diesel exhaust. Exercise did not counteract the negative effects of high pollutant levels on lung health.
Scholars studied archaeological and paleoenvironmental records to understand the intensification of agriculture in northern China, revealing a significant impact on fire frequency and natural environments. The findings suggest that millet cultivation played a crucial role in the emergence of ancient Chinese civilization.
Researchers used unmanned aircraft to measure turbulent kinetic energy, aerosol particle concentration, and temperature fluctuations near the Earth's surface. The study found that black carbon aerosols suppress turbulence in the atmospheric boundary layer, exacerbating human health impacts and extreme weather events.