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The MicroAeth Model AE51 is the world's first ever real-time, pocket-sized Black Carbon aerosol monitor. The instrument can be placed virtually anywhere and provide real-time information about the concentration of black carbon in the atmosphere. The MicroAeth incorporates the same aethalometer measurement technology which has been used worldwide for over 25 years.
The instrument can operate continuously for up to 24 hours on a single battery charge. The air sample is collected and analyzed within the MicroAeth instrument on a quartz fiber filter strip. Optional filter strips are available which contain unique serial numbers. The serial number can be used to track the filter strip following its use in the MicroAeth for archiving and possible further chemical analysis in a laboratory. All data, including instrument status and BC measurements, are stored using on-board Flash memory. The MicroAeth connects to a PC using a supplied USB cable and interfaces with the intuitive MicroAethCOM PC-based software program. The software is used to program the MicroAeth, view current instrument conditions, and download the collected data. The software also provides Quickview graphs to evaluate data and diagnostic information immediately.
Soon to come, the high altitude version of the MicroAeth specifically designed to measure aerosol black carbon in atmospheric vertical profiling studies. This specially configured instrument will use a high flow rate pump, on-board barometric pressure sensor, and other provisions to properly operate under reduced pressure and temperature conditions. It will also include a Global Positioning System (GPS) for resolving latitude, longitude, and altitude of the instrument while in flight.
ABOUT BLACK CARBON
Black Carbon is a primary component of Diesel Particulate Matter (DPM). Exposure to BC occurs when people breathe in smoke and fumes from traffic-related exhaust. Exposure is particularly hazardous to human health because the Black Carbon particles are very small in size (smaller than one micron or about 1:170 the size of a human hair) and have an active surface which attracts gases and other particle phase toxins. These tiny particles penetrate deep into the lungs, carrying a host of the other toxic materials which are present in smoke and vehicle exhaust.
In the past, scientific studies about black carbon have been limited to advanced research groups interested identifying the specific chemical components of fine and ultrafine particle mass. These scientific studies have proven that exposure to diesel particulate matter, and specifically black carbon, is hazardous to human health, causing cardiovascular disease, exposure-related asthma, premature hospitalization and death. The results of these studies have demonstrated the need for increased monitoring of Black Carbon, covering a much broader, more representative area to monitoring people's exposure to traffic-related pollutants.
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