Study of Black Carbon Levels in City Centers and Industrial Centers in Jordan

Abstract

Light absorption coefficients of black carbon (B_abs ) were measured at several urban and industrial locations in Jordan during the summer of 2007 and the winter of 2008 using the photoacoustic instrument at a wavelength of 870 nm. Black carbon mass
concentration (BC) was calculated using B_abs. Black carbon levels at urban locations in the summer of 2007 were higher than those obtained at industrial centers. Zarqa had the highest value of BC in summer (29.24µg/m³) and in winter (13.27µg/m³). Ibbeen and Irbid
city center had relatively high values of BC in winter: 11.75µg/m³ and 12.48µg/m³,respectively.

Keywords: Black carbon; Absorption coefficients; Urban air pollution.