Characterizing winter-time brown carbon: Insights into chemical and light-absorption properties in residential and traffic environments

Brown carbon (BrC) is an organic aerosol (OA) component that possesses light-absorbing properties in the UV–Vis spectrum, impacting climate. However, the current understanding of climate repercussions stemming from BrC emissions remains insufficient due to a lack of comprehensive knowledge regarding its chemical makeup, light-absorption, and the role of atmospheric aging in shaping BrC properties. This study investigates BrC in PM₁ (particulate matter < 1 μm) during winter in Helsinki, Finland, in a street canyon and a residential area with wood combustion. The aim was to ascertain BrC sources, chemical composition, and contribution to UV–Vis light absorption. The study utilized a seven-wavelength aethalometer (AE33) to measure black carbon (BC) and BrC light absorptions, and a soot particle aerosol mass spectrometer (SP-AMS) to determine OA composition. An OA source apportionment using positive matrix factorization followed by a multiple regression analysis between BrC absorption and each factor was performed to determine the mass absorption coefficients of BrC (MAC_BrC) and light absorption contributions of distinct sources across 370–660 nm wavelengths. The BrC UV–Vis absorption relative to the one of BC was higher at 370 nm, with a median contribution of 20.1 % in the residential area and 18.2 % at the traffic site. Residential BrC absorption showed sporadic peaks, while street canyon absorption was lower but consistent. MAC_BrC was higher for biomass burning organic aerosol but still significant for long-range transported (LRT) and traffic-related aerosols. Hydrocarbon-like organic aerosol exhibited higher MAC_BrC at 470 nm than at 370 nm. Combined with particulate mass concentrations, biomass burning and LRT contributed the most to light absorption. Uncertainties regarding MAC_BrC were evaluated. The chemical composition analysis revealed stronger correlations between BrC absorption and SP-AMS-measured ions, especially in residential areas and for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and oxidized aromatics. The study emphasizes the importance of anthropogenic sources in BrC light absorption.