Uncertainty estimation in chemical measurements: carbon dioxide determination at atmospheric concentration

The present work deals with the evaluation of measurement uncertainty in the determination of carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration in atmosphere, given the high relevance of this greenhouse gas that influences earth climate. In order to carry out CO2 measurements, non dispersive infrared (NDIR) analysers are usually employed as they are stable and scarcely affected by interferences from other air components or pollutants. Typical uncertainty sources are the resolution of the analyser, its time drift and the contributions due to instrument calibration, which is required in order to produce traceable measurement results. The calibration uncertainty takes into account the uncertainty of the composition of the calibration gas mixtures, the instrument repeatability and the possible or residual lack of fit of the adopted mathematical model.