Inversion of the global carbonaceous aerosol components (CACs) based on ground-based remote sensing of AERONET

Carbonaceous aerosol components (CACs) significantly influence global radiative forcing and human health. We developed a simultaneous inversion algorithm for four CACs: black carbon (BC), brown carbon (BrC), water-soluble organic matter (WSOM), and water-insoluble organic matter (WIOM), considering their distinct optical, solubility, and hygroscopicity properties. Using AERONET data, we inverted the global concentrations of these components for 2022. We observed that the mass concentration of black carbon (BC) is highest in the South Asian region, with an annual average of 4.74 mg m⁻². High values of brown carbon (BrC) correspond well with regions and seasons of biomass burning, with the annual average reaching 9.03 mg m⁻² at sites in Central and West Africa. Water-insoluble organic matter (WIOM) is the most predominant component in carbonaceous aerosols, with an annual average concentration as high as 53.11 mg m⁻² at the Dhaka_University site in Eastern South Asia. Additionally, the study also points out a significant correlation between the dominant components of carbonaceous aerosols and their seasonal variations with local emissions. Furthermore, the validation of optical parameters against official AERONET products demonstrates a good correlation.