TCA08 Analyzer Comparison Campaign: Measuring the Total Carbon Content of Aerosols

Intercomparisons

29 January 2025

The LSCE (Laboratory for Climate and Environmental Sciences) and INERIS, as part of the missions of the LCSQA (National Air Quality Monitoring Laboratory), are organizing a TCA08 analyzer comparison campaign. We collaborate with Aerosol Magee Scientific and ECOMESURE. This event will take place at the SIRTA atmospheric observatory, part of the LSCE, starting on January 27, 2024.

The TCA08 is an innovative analyzer capable of measuring in real time the total carbon (TC) content of suspended particles. It is an essential tool for air quality monitoring, both in research stations and in operational surveillance networks.

Objectives of the Campaign


This initiative aims to:

  • Evaluate the performance of TCA08 analyzers under controlled conditions.
  • Compare calibration methodologies and data analysis techniques.
  • Share best practices among users to harmonize measurements at the national level.


A Workshop to Bring Together Air Quality Stakeholders


Alongside the comparative tests, a workshop was organized for Air Quality Monitoring Associations (ASQAA) that own a TCA08 analyzer. This exchange provided an opportunity to:

  • Discuss technical challenges encountered in the field.
  • Present innovations to optimize the use of instruments.
  • Strengthen collaborations among air quality stakeholders.


Why Measure the Total Carbon Content of Aerosols?


The chemical composition of suspended particles, particularly their total carbon content, is crucial for:

  • Identifying the origin of emissions, whether natural (wildfires, dust) or anthropogenic (traffic, industries).
  • Contributing to advanced studies on the health and environmental impacts of air pollution.


Expected Outcomes for Better Monitoring


The results of this campaign will help improve the tools and methodologies used in national monitoring networks. They will also ensure more reliable and comparable measurements across different regions.

Stay tuned to discover the results and insights from this campaign!

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