Review on Black Carbon (BC) and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) Emission Reductions Induced by PM Emission Abatement Techniques

The reduction of BC and PAH emissions is linked to the reduction of PM emissions. This report provides an overview of BC, PAH and ultrafine particles (UFP) emissions and the effect of PM emission reduction measures on emissions of these species. The study was extended, as far as possible, to all carbonaceous species such as secondary organic aerosols (SOA) and brown carbon (BrC), which have an impact on the radiative balance and the mass of PM. Three target sectors have been considered, two of them, small combustion sources and road transport, because they are the main sources of BC, and gas flaring (GF), because this activity is a major source of pollutants for both air quality and climate impact in the Artic regions.

This document completes the Guidance document on prioritising reductions of PM so to also achieve reduction of BC (ECE,2020) prepared by TFIAM in collaboration with TFTEI, by providing an in-depth analysis of the capacity of techniques to effectively reduce BC and PAHs. It also provides background information for the process of revision of the Gothenburg Protocol scheduled in 2024 and 2025.