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Black Carbon Module
Black Carbon Module
Clarity Black Carbon Module installed on a monitoring pole for real-time black carbon air pollution measurement.
Front view of the Clarity Black Carbon Module designed for black carbon monitoring in outdoor environments.
Angled view of the Clarity Black Carbon Module air quality sensor for measuring black carbon concentrations.
Left-side view of the Clarity Black Carbon Module showing the sensor enclosure and mounting brackets.
Rear view of the Clarity Black Carbon Module with mounting plate for installation on monitoring infrastructure.
Clarity Black Carbon Module installed outdoors for continuous black carbon air quality monitoring.
Clarity Black Carbon Module deployed in an urban environment to measure black carbon pollution.
Clarity air quality monitoring station with solar panel and Black Carbon Module installed outdoors.
Clarity air quality platform map showing black carbon monitoring data from deployed sensors.
Clarity analytics dashboard displaying black carbon air quality data and monitoring trends.
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Black Carbon Module

The Black Carbon Module is based on the microAeth® Black Carbon measurement technology from AethLabs, and integrates seamlessly into Clarity networks. Use the Black Carbon Module to indicate this extremely harmful component of particulate matter, with impacts ranging from human health to reduced agricultural productivity, and even global warming.

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The Black Carbon Module is a real-time 5-wavelength UV-IR Black Carbon monitor. Designed to be installed outdoors on street poles and along fence lines, it also features an accelerometer, altimeter/barometer, and sensors for relative humidity and temperature. The spectrum measurement provides insight into the composition of light absorbing carbonaceous particles and helps to distinguish among the different optical signatures of various combustion sources such as diesel, woodsmoke, biomass and tobacco.

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Accurate air quality measurements with Sensing-as-a-Service℠

Sensing-as-a-Service℠ is built for seamless air quality sensor network deployment, data management, and quality control at any project scale. Whether you're a regulator, private company, researcher, or community group, Sensing-as-a-Service ensures delivery of the high-quality air pollution measurements you need to drive real change.

Hardware

Easily deployed air monitoring devices

Solar-powered Clarity Node-S air quality sensor measures PM2.5 and NO2 and serves as a platform for additional modules that measure Black Carbon, Dust, Multi-Gas, Ozone, and Wind.

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Cloud

Cloud data management & visualization

Air quality measurements and air sensor network status are easily accessible in real-time via Clarity’s user-friendly Dashboard, REST API, and OpenMap.

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Support

Expert air quality project support

An experienced Environmental Project Manager to help you define a project plan and guide you through Collocation and Calibration of your devices.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is black carbon and why is it important to monitor?

Black carbon is a short-lived climate pollutant and a component of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) that results from incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, biofuels, and biomass. Monitoring black carbon is critical because it contributes to both climate change and public health impacts — especially in urban areas, transportation corridors, and regions relying on solid fuel. It’s also a key indicator of traffic-related air pollution and diesel emissions.

What sources typically contribute to black carbon pollution?

Major sources of black carbon include diesel engine exhaust, wood and biomass burning, coal combustion, and open waste burning. In cities, traffic — particularly from older diesel vehicles — is a dominant contributor. In developing regions, household fuel use and agricultural fires can be major sources of black carbon exposure.

How does the Clarity Black Carbon Module detect and measure black carbon?

The Clarity Black Carbon Module uses an optical absorption method to detect black carbon particles based on how they absorb light. This technique provides accurate, near real-time measurements of black carbon concentrations and is well-suited for continuous outdoor monitoring, even in resource-constrained settings.

Can this module be integrated with existing Clarity deployments?

Yes — the Black Carbon Module is designed to be seamlessly integrated with Clarity’s Node-S platform. It connects via the same modular system and shares power, connectivity, and cloud-based data delivery, making it easy to upgrade an existing Clarity deployment without adding significant complexity.

What regions or use cases benefit most from black carbon monitoring?

Black carbon monitoring is particularly valuable in densely populated urban areas, transportation corridors, port cities, and industrial zones. It's also essential in regions tackling diesel emissions, designing low-emission zones, or addressing climate-related impacts of air pollution. Cities like London and Bishkek have used black carbon data from Clarity sensors to shape traffic policy and identify emission hotspots.

Is the data from the Black Carbon Module available in real time?

Yes — data from the Black Carbon Module is transmitted in near real time to the Clarity Dashboard, where users can visualize trends, generate reports, and set alerts. This immediate access supports timely decision-making for air quality interventions, community engagement, and regulatory reporting.

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