Black Carbon

Black Carbon is formed as a by-product of incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, bio-fuels and biomass. It is the strongest absorbent of light amongst all the components of particulate matter.

Main Properties of Black Carbon

• It is directly emitted in the atmosphere as fine particles PM5.
• It is highly effective in absorbing solar energy and can absorb million times more energy than Carbon Dioxide.
• It is formed of pure carbon in several linked forms.
• It is emitted in two forms-anthropogenic and soot. It is a major component of soot.
• Climatologically, it is highly active and is known as a climate forcing agent. It adds to global atmospheric heating by reducing the albedo which is the property of snow and ice to reflect sunlight.
• BC emissions are largely done from automobile sources like diesel engines and other vehicles. This comprises 52% of total BC emissions. Other sources include burning of biomass, residential processes, industrial heating etc.
• It was first identified in the Arctic haze aerosols and the Arctic snow.

It comprises about 30% of the total carbon component of soils. It serves a major reservoir of nutrients for tropical soils.