Abstract
Black carbon (BC) is generated from various sources of incomplete combustion. Both black carbon and particulate matter are emitted from flares, posing risks to health and contributing to climate change. This study focuses on assessing air pollution distribution in Basra Province by monitoring black carbon (BC) emissions. BC concentrations were measured using an aethalometer at sites rich in oilfields within Basra Province. These sites included six degassing stations (Tuba, Alluhais, Artawi, North Rumaila, Majnoon, and Nahran Omar) and two power plants (Alnajebia and Shatt Albasra). Along with wind direction, air velocity and wind speed were also recorded. All the sites were engaged in natural gas flaring. The BC concentrations were evaluated against the recommended exposure limit (REL). In winter, the average BC concentration was 5.66±1.49μg/m3; the lowest concentration was 3.7μg/m3 at the Majnoon oilfield, and the highest was 7.85μg/m3 at the Artawi Degassing Station—approximately eight times the REL. In spring, the average BC concentration was 4.94±1.28μg/m3; the lowest was 3.3μg/m3 at the Majnoon oilfield, and the highest was 7.05μg/m3 at the Altuba Degassing Station—around seven times the REL. Concentrations of BC at all monitored sites exceeded the REL. High BC levels in industrial areas are attributed to natural gas flaring. Incomplete combustion at these sites led to the emission of elevated concentrations of black carbon.