Black Carbon in Downwind Area PM2.5 Samples Collected During Prescribed Burns in Southeastern US Forests

Introduction: Woodsmoke produces various pollutants, such as PM2.5 (Particulate Matter 2.5) and Black Carbon (BC). Methods: Filters from two Southeastern US Forests were analyzed for BC. Results: For the SRS study, BC and BC/PM2.5 levels were determined. Mixed effects models were used to determine relationships between BC, PM2.5, and the BC/PM2.5 ratio with distance and wind hits. Both BC and PM2.5 decreased significantly with increasing distance, and increased significantly with increased wind hits. For the BC/PM2.5 Ratio, this was not seen for either effect. For the Francis Marion study, BC and BC/PM2.5 levels were determined for both a mechanically chipped and an unchipped plot. Discussion and Conclusion: Overall, this data adds to BC literature and is novel in that it also helps add to the understanding of the spatiotemporal dynamics of BC during a prescribed burn.