Analysis of transmitted intensity on black carbon laden Teflon and Nucleopore filters using optical transmission

Abstract

This study presents a method to predict and analyze BC concentration on Teflon® and Nucleopore® filters by means of optical/light transmission. Filters allow a certain amount of light to be transmitted through the substrate laden surface. From this, optical parameters such as optical depth and mass extinction coefficient can be measured. The predicted BC values can be confirmed by analysis and comparison of the seasonal temporal variations of the BC concentration with known temporal behavior. The values obtained for the BC concentration can serve as good estimates on how much black carbon is deposited on the filter.