Suitability of Different Methods for Measuring Black Carbon Emissions from Marine Engines

Black carbon (BC) emissions intensify global warming and are linked to adverse health effects. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) considers the impact of BC from international shipping. A prerequisite for anticipated limits marine engines is a reliable measurement method. three candidate methods (photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS), laser-induced incandescence (LII), filter smoke number (FSN)) selected by IMO were evaluated with extensive ship exhaust matrices obtained different fuels, engines, emission control devices. few instruments targeted atmospheric measurements included as well. concentrations close each other meters (AVL 415S 415SE), PAS MSS), LII (Artium-300), MAAP 5012, aethalometers (Magee AE-33 AE-42), EC (TOA). In most cases, standard deviation between was in range 5–15% at below 30 mg Sm−3. Some differences measured these potentially related ratio light-absorbing compounds sulphates or particle sizes morphologies. addition, calibrations, sampling, correction thermophoretic loss explained results. However, overall results low despite challenging compositions diesel engines. Findings will inform decision making on