Carbonaceous Aerosols and Black Carbon
Exposure to ambient particulate matter (PM) is estimated to cause about 800,000 premature deaths annually worldwide, primarily from cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases. Carbonaceous aerosols which make up 20–70% of PM mass are of particular concern, as studies increasingly link them to cardiovascular incidents and emergency visits. This fraction contains numerous organic compounds, including toxic substances such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and dioxins, though much of its chemical composition remains unidentified.
Beyond health, carbonaceous aerosols also pose significant climate risks. Black carbon, the light-absorbing component, is considered the second-largest contributor to global warming after carbon dioxide. These pronounced effects of black carbon on the regional and global climate and its short lifetime (1 week ± 1 week) compared to carbon dioxide, has led to the scientific assessment that reducing emissions of black carbon is the most effective strategy to slow global warming
The role of carbonaceous aerosols remains central to the coupled understanding both the health and climate dimensions of air pollution. Monitoring and speciation of carbonaceous aerosol informs air quality management, source apportionment, and regulatory decision-making.
AE36s AETHALOMETER®
The Aethalometer is the most widely used filter photometer capable of measuring the light-absorbing properties of aerosol particles. Its robust design, ease of use, and quality data allow it to be used in different environments and numerous applications.
The new AE36s is built upon the existing well-proven and rugged design. Two new wavelengths, 340 and 400 nm, were added for advanced characterization of light-absorbing organic aerosol fraction, the so-called Brown Carbon (BrC).
Other performance improvements of AE36s include being insensitive to RH changes, lowering the LOD, and making the operation of the Instrument even smoother with the new point-of-load electronics design. It is made to run unattended for a very long time thanks to the new self-cleaning procedure, 2-times longer filter tape, and the new RAS (Remote Access System) module.
The AE36s is thus the first Instrument in the world that helps authorities to follow WHO 2021 recommendations in developing standards or targets for ambient Black Carbon (BC) concentrations.
The real-time analysis is performed at 9 optical wavelengths from the ultraviolet (340 nm) to the near-infra red (950 nm), which enables source apportionment to separate traffic or diesel exhaust from biomass burning (woodsmoke, forest fires, cook stoves…), and Brown Carbon analysis.
Compact Weather Stations
Compact Weather Stations offer a streamlined solution for meteorological monitoring, combining All-In-One (AIO) sensors with a powerful Alpha-Log data logger. Designed for easy deployment and space-saving applications, these stations provide accurate measurement of multiple weather parameters while reducing installation complexity and maintenance costs.
LSI LASTEM’s ISMMA weather stations are the ideal solution for climate monitoring in environmental and industrial settings. These kits integrate high-precision sensors, which comply with international WMO (World Meteorological Organization) standards, and are designed for extremely low power consumption, ensuring optimal performance in all weather conditions.
Compact Weather Stations are ideal for applications where system size and efficiency are critical, offering reliable and scalable solutions for diverse meteorological needs.
Complete All-In-One Ultrasonic Weather Stations
Sensors integrates a unique folded-path sonic anemometer with a multi-element temperature sensor, fast-response capacitive relative humidity sensor, state of the art barometric pressure sensor Alternative versions are equipped with photodiode radiation sensor or optical rain sensor. The result is a professional grade All-In-One Weather Sensor designed for reliability, longevity, and ease of installation.
Two classes of sensors are available; Standard made in aluminum and Compact series made in plastic, with different size and different features concerning the wind measurement.
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All models can be connected to any LSI LASTEM data logger on serial port COM2 using its Modbus output protocol.
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Easy connection, using Modbus-RTU, to third part data loggers and LSI LASTEM’s data loggers;
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Heated versions. (Standard versions only);
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In house ISO17025 accreditate calibration laboratory;
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Up to six parameters from the same sensor body;
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Two size versions with different specifications for a wide range of applications;
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Model codes: DNB300.2, DNB301.2, DNB302.2, DNB304.2, DNB300, DNB300.1, DNB301, DNB301.1, DNB302, DNB302.1, DNB304.
These weather stations offer a complete and scalable solution for high-end meteorological monitoring, making them ideal for synoptic and climatological applications.