Rapid response of atmospheric BC to anthropogenic sources: observational evidence

Abstract

The response of Black Carbon (BC) concentrations to a near cut-off of vehicular and industrial emissions favoured by a regional ‘strike call’ by organized trade unions, that brought to a halt of all industrial activities and commercial road traffic for 2 days is presented. In a dramatic, spectacular response to the seizure of emissions, BC concentrations dropped rapidly to ∼22% of the average concentrations that prevailed before the strike depicting the rapidity with which the concentrations deplete and the ‘rather slow’ replenishment as the emissions restart. These observations support the argument that controlling BC emissions yields quick results.