US EPA

1607730 

Journal Article 

Impact of atmospheric black carbon on some members of the heat and water balances 

Anda, A 

2012 

Yes 

Idojaras (Budapest, 1905)
ISSN: 0324-6329 

116 

3 

221-236 

WOS:000309075200005 

Impact of atmospheric black carbon (BC) on albedo, evapotranspiration, and growing characters of field grown maize was investigated at Keszthely, Hungary, over the 2010-2011 growing seasons. Chemically "pure" black carbon was used in weekly pollution (3 g m(-2)). Low doses simulated the effect of particulates derived from vehicle exhaust and abrasion of tyres. Albedo of crop stand (0.3 ha/treatment) was measured with CMA-11-type pyranometers every 6 seconds. Maize grown in Thornthwaite- type compensation evapotranspirometers was included in the study. Dry matter yield of maize cob was determined in the end of the growing season.



Surprisingly, BC did not influence significantly the phenological phases and length of the crop year. Due to wet weather in 2010, seasonal water loss of BC treated maize increased only with 4%. Amount of seasonal total evapotranspiration of polluted crops was about threefold higher in dry 2011. The mean albedo of polluted canopy declined in both seasons. The surplus energy retention of BC polluted crops increased the canopy surface temperature of about 0.5-1.5 degrees C in midday hours, independently of the studied year. Significant yield loss in BC polluted maize stands was observed only in rainfed canopy. The production loss of dusted maize amounted 8.7% and 19.8%, in 2010 and 2011, respectively. Extra water of evapotranspirometers prevented yield drop-out of soot polluted plants. In arid years, BC had more severe impacts on maize characteristics and yield. 

black carbon; albedo; evapotranspiration; canopy temperature; dry matter; yield; maize