Black carbon modeling in urban areas: investigating the influence of resuspension and non-exhaust emissions in streets using the Street-in-Grid model for inert particles (SinG-inert)

Abstract. Black carbon (BC) is a primary and inert pollutant often used as traffic tracer. Even though its concentrations are generally low at the regional scale, BC presents very high in streets (at local scale), potentially with important effects on human health environment. Modeling studies of usually underestimate due to uncertainties both emissions modeling. Both exhaust non-exhaust present uncertainties, but respect emissions, such tire, brake, road wear well particle resuspension, particularly high. In terms modeling, street models do not always consider two-way interactions between scales. Using modeling approach, may influence urban background above street, which can subsequently enhance same street. This study uses multiscale Street-in-Grid model (SinG) simulate suburban network Paris, taking coupling scales into account. The proved have an concentrations. dynamic leads increase large (with maximal about 48 %) decrease narrow 50 %). A new approach estimate resuspension implemented, strictly respecting mass balance surface. rate calculated from available deposited surface, estimated based deposition wash-off parameterizations adapted street-canyon geometries. simulations show that contribution concentrations, significant enough justify rates. Non-exhaust wear, largely contribute equivalent emissions. Here, sensitivity analysis performed by comparing different emission factors wear. considered literature. We found satisfying model–measurement comparison using tire factors, indicate Europe probably underestimated. These results policy implications: public policies replacing internal combustion engines electric vehicles eliminate air pollution only reduce it half.