Black carbon in urban atmospheres: source apportionment, mixing states, and implications for climate and respiratory health

Q: What does this research mean for the field?

Traffic emissions dominate black carbon sources in developed cities, whereas biomass and residential combustion are the primary sources in developing regions, with particle mixing states significantly influencing both radiative forcing and respiratory deposition. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.SYNTHESIS. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

Thompson Faraday Ediagbonya; Marian Onyemaechi Ashikodi; Ochuko Vincent Akpojivi; Friday Elumah Oziegbe; Aline Françoise Mbabazi; Isaac Nzayisenga

doi:10.1038/s44407-026-00098-x

September 2, 2026npj Clean AirOpen Access

Black carbon in urban atmospheres: source apportionment, mixing states, and implications for climate and respiratory health

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Key Points

To evaluate recent evidence on the sources, atmospheric mixing states, and combined climate and respiratory health consequences of urban black carbon.
Reviewed observational and modeling literature published between 2018 and 2026 focusing on urban atmospheric black carbon.
Assessed source apportionment methodologies, particle physical-chemical transformations, radiative forcing metrics, and respiratory deposition models.
Traffic emissions constitute the predominant source of black carbon in developed urban areas, whereas biomass burning and residential solid fuel combustion dominate in developing regions.
Particle mixing states alter optical absorption and aerodynamic behavior, directly amplifying radiative forcing and enhancing deep pulmonary particle deposition.

Implication

Review demonstrates distinct regional sources and mixing states of urban black carbon, highlighting dual risks to climate forcing and respiratory deposition.

Abstract

Black carbon (BC) is a major urban pollutant affecting climate and health. This review examines studies published between 2018 and 2026 on BC sources, mixing state, and impacts. Traffic emissions dominate developed cities, while biomass and residential combustion are major sources in developing regions. Particle mixing influences radiative forcing and respiratory deposition. Standardized measurements and integrated climate-health assessments are needed.

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Cite This Study

Ediagbonya et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a993643636c6408cfa7f3da https://doi.org/10.1038/s44407-026-00098-x

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Black carbon in urban atmospheres: source apportionment, mixing states, and implications for climate and respiratory health

Key Points

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

Black carbon in urban atmospheres: source apportionment, mixing states, and implications for climate and respiratory health

Key Points

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

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