Variations of Black Carbon Concentrations in Two Sites in Mexico: A High-Altitude National Park and a Semi-Urban Site

Abstract

Black carbon (BC), a component of carbonaceous material, has an important role in the environment, and it is considered a short-lived climate forcer that plays a vital role in the global climate system. BC concentrations were analyzed during 2017 in two sites in Mexico, Juriquilla and Altzomoni, which have different emission sources and atmospheric dynamics. The annual average BC concentrations in 2017 were 0.84 ± 0.70 and 0.58 ± 0.37 µg m−3 for Juriquilla and Altzomoni, respectively. The principal contributors for the highest BC concentration in Juriquilla were anthropogenic sources, while pollutants transport from nearby cities was more important for Altzomoni. Comparison between this analysis and previous reports from 2015 for both sampling sites demonstrated an increase in BC concentration. Results of this study could contribute to a better understanding of BC effects under different emission conditions and provide a scientific reference for developing BC reduction strategies over Mexico.