Black carbon mainly from construction not traffic
A study, conducted at the top of BT Tower in London, has found that construction, not road traffic, is a larger source of black carbon. The research was undertaken by a team that included scientists from the University of Manchester, UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, University of York, Zhejiang University, and the National Centre for Atmospheric Science.
It examined how much black carbon, essentially soot, is released in central London in both the summer and winter. Black carbon is emitted along with other air pollutants during incomplete combustion. Brick kilns, residential energy, and wildfires are all major sources of it but road traffic is often a primary cause in cities.
35 floors up in the BT Tower’s observatory, the researchers collected air samples that rose from the streets and buildings beneath. Using a method known as eddy covariance, they were able to directly measure the pollution moving through the air in real time. This involved measuring the speed and direction of the wind and the concentration of black carbon particles. Combinging them, they were able to calculate the rate it travels through the air, and locate the source.
When it was measured in the area in 2012, road traffic was the main source. But that has now changed. Non-road mobile machinery, such as equipment found on construction sights, have been a major emitter, especially in areas with a higher amount of construction taking place. These machines are not subject to the same stringent emissions regulations that cars are.
Stay tuned to EyeOnLondon for the latest news and expert opinions.
Follow us on:
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest videos and updates!
We value your thoughts! Share your feedback and help us make EyeOnLondon even better!
