Articles | Volume 21, issue 24
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-18543-2021
© Author(s) 2021. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-21-18543-2021
© Author(s) 2021. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
21 Dec 2021
Research article |
| 21 Dec 2021
| 21 Dec 2021
Mercury isotopic compositions in fine particles and offshore surface seawater in a coastal area of East China: implications for Hg sources and atmospheric transformations
Lingling Xu
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Center for Excellence in Regional Atmospheric Environment, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
Jiayan Shi
Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
Yuping Chen
Center for Excellence in Regional Atmospheric Environment, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
University of Chinese Academy Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
Yanru Zhang
Center for Excellence in Regional Atmospheric Environment, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
University of Chinese Academy Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
Mengrong Yang
Center for Excellence in Regional Atmospheric Environment, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
Yanting Chen
Center for Excellence in Regional Atmospheric Environment, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
Liqian Yin
Center for Excellence in Regional Atmospheric Environment, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
Lei Tong
Center for Excellence in Regional Atmospheric Environment, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
Hang Xiao
Center for Excellence in Regional Atmospheric Environment, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
Jinsheng Chen
Center for Excellence in Regional Atmospheric Environment, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
Related authors
Ziyi Lin, Chuanyou Ying, Lingling Xu, Xiaoting Ji, Keran Zhang, Feng Zhang, Gaojie Chen, Lingjun Li, Chen Yang, Yuping Chen, Ziying Chen, and Jinsheng Chen
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-3697, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-3697, 2025
This preprint is open for discussion and under review for Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics (ACP).
Short summary
Short summary
Based on field observations of N2O5, we found extremely high nighttime concentrations of N2O5, with a maximum value of 2.52 ppb. Further multiphase box model analysis revealed that the heterogeneous uptake of N2O5 is the most significant nitrate formation pathway in NO2-limited urban areas. Additionally, we further analyzed the reasons for this high N2O5 uptake contribution, and discussed the synergistic reduction of nitrates and O3.
Yuping Chen, Lingling Xu, Xiaolong Fan, Ziyi Lin, Chen Yang, Gaojie Chen, Ronghua Zheng, Youwei Hong, Mengren Li, Yanru Zhang, and Jinsheng Chen
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-2042, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-2042, 2025
This preprint is open for discussion and under review for Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics (ACP).
Short summary
Short summary
This study investigates the molecular characteristics and chemical evolution of organic aerosol (OA) in contrasting urban and seaside environments by offline Chemical Ionization Mass Spectrometry. Urban OA was enriched in aromatic species, while seaside OA featured aliphatic and highly oxidized compounds. Marine-influenced humid air masses, combined with active photochemical conditions, promoted aqueous-phase OA formation, leading to higher oxidation states, particularly at the seaside site.
Gaojie Chen, Xiaolong Fan, Haichao Wang, Yee Jun Tham, Ziyi Lin, Xiaoting Ji, Lingling Xu, Baoye Hu, and Jinsheng Chen
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 7815–7828, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-7815-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-7815-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Our study revealed that the nighttime heterogeneous dinitrogen pentoxide (N2O5) uptake process was the major contributor of nitryl chloride (ClNO2) sources, while nitrate photolysis may promote the elevation of daytime ClNO2 concentrations. The rates of alkane oxidation by chlorine (Cl) radical in the early morning exceeded those by OH radical, significantly promoted the formation of ROx and ozone (O3), and further enhanced the atmospheric oxidation capacity levels.
Baoye Hu, Naihua Chen, Rui Li, Mingqiang Huang, Jinsheng Chen, Youwei Hong, Lingling Xu, Xiaolong Fan, Mengren Li, Lei Tong, Qiuping Zheng, and Yuxiang Yang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 905–921, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-905-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-905-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Box modeling with the Master Chemical Mechanism (MCM) was used to explore summertime peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN) formation and its link to aerosol pollution under high-ozone conditions. The MCM model is effective in the study of PAN photochemical formation and performed better during the clean period than the haze period. Machine learning analysis identified ammonia, nitrate, and fine particulate matter as the top three factors contributing to simulation bias.
Jiayan Shi, Yuping Chen, Lingling Xu, Youwei Hong, Mengren Li, Xiaolong Fan, Liqian Yin, Yanting Chen, Chen Yang, Gaojie Chen, Taotao Liu, Xiaoting Ji, and Jinsheng Chen
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 11187–11202, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-11187-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-11187-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) was observed in Southeast China over the period 2012–2020. The observed GEM concentrations showed no distinct inter-annual variation trends. The interpretation rate of transportation and meteorology on GEM variations displayed an increasing trend. In contrast, anthropogenic emissions have shown a decreasing interpretation rate since 2012, indicating the effectiveness of emission mitigation measures in reducing GEM concentrations in the study region.
Taotao Liu, Yiling Lin, Jinsheng Chen, Gaojie Chen, Chen Yang, Lingling Xu, Mengren Li, Xiaolong Fan, Yanting Chen, Liqian Yin, Yuping Chen, Xiaoting Ji, Ziyi Lin, Fuwang Zhang, Hong Wang, and Youwei Hong
Atmos. Chem. Phys. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-2022-292, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-2022-292, 2022
Revised manuscript not accepted
Short summary
Short summary
Field observations and models analysis were carried out in a coastal city to study HCHO formation mechanism and its impacts on photochemistry. HCHO contributed to atmospheric oxidation by around 10 %, reflecting its significance in photochemistry. Disabling HCHO mechanism made net O3 production rates decrease by 31 %, which were dominated by the reductions of pathways relating to radical reactions, indicating the HCHO affected O3 mainly by controlling the efficiencies of radical propagation.
Taotao Liu, Gaojie Chen, Jinsheng Chen, Lingling Xu, Mengren Li, Youwei Hong, Yanting Chen, Xiaoting Ji, Chen Yang, Yuping Chen, Weiguo Huang, Quanjia Huang, and Hong Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 4339–4353, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-4339-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-4339-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
We clarified the seasonal variations of PAN pollution, influencing factors, its mechanisms, and impacts on O3 based on OBM and GAM models. PAN presented inhibition and promotion effects on O3 under low and high ROx levels. Monitoring of PAN and its precursors, and the quantification of its impacts on O3 formation, significantly guide photochemical pollution control. The analysis methods used in this study provide a reference for study of the formation mechanisms of PAN and O3 in other regions.
Taotao Liu, Youwei Hong, Mengren Li, Lingling Xu, Jinsheng Chen, Yahui Bian, Chen Yang, Yangbin Dan, Yingnan Zhang, Likun Xue, Min Zhao, Zhi Huang, and Hong Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 2173–2190, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-2173-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-2173-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Based on the OBM-MCM model analyses, the study aims to clarify (1) the pollution characteristics of O3 and its precursors, (2) the atmospheric oxidation capacity and radical chemistry, and (3) the O3 formation mechanism and sensitivity analysis. The results are expected to enhance the understanding of the O3 formation mechanism with low O3 precursor levels and provide scientific evidence for O3 pollution control in coastal cities.
Baoye Hu, Jun Duan, Youwei Hong, Lingling Xu, Mengren Li, Yahui Bian, Min Qin, Wu Fang, Pinhua Xie, and Jinsheng Chen
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 371–393, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-371-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-371-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
There has been a lack of research into HONO in coastal cities with low concentrations of PM2.5, but strong sunlight and high humidity. Insufficient research on coastal cities with good air quality has resulted in certain obstacles to assessing the photochemical processes in these areas. Furthermore, HONO contributes to the atmospheric photochemistry depending on the season. Therefore, observations of HONO across four seasons in the southeastern coastal area of China are urgently needed.
Ziyi Lin, Chuanyou Ying, Lingling Xu, Xiaoting Ji, Keran Zhang, Feng Zhang, Gaojie Chen, Lingjun Li, Chen Yang, Yuping Chen, Ziying Chen, and Jinsheng Chen
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-3697, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-3697, 2025
This preprint is open for discussion and under review for Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics (ACP).
Short summary
Short summary
Based on field observations of N2O5, we found extremely high nighttime concentrations of N2O5, with a maximum value of 2.52 ppb. Further multiphase box model analysis revealed that the heterogeneous uptake of N2O5 is the most significant nitrate formation pathway in NO2-limited urban areas. Additionally, we further analyzed the reasons for this high N2O5 uptake contribution, and discussed the synergistic reduction of nitrates and O3.
Yuping Chen, Lingling Xu, Xiaolong Fan, Ziyi Lin, Chen Yang, Gaojie Chen, Ronghua Zheng, Youwei Hong, Mengren Li, Yanru Zhang, and Jinsheng Chen
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-2042, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-2042, 2025
This preprint is open for discussion and under review for Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics (ACP).
Short summary
Short summary
This study investigates the molecular characteristics and chemical evolution of organic aerosol (OA) in contrasting urban and seaside environments by offline Chemical Ionization Mass Spectrometry. Urban OA was enriched in aromatic species, while seaside OA featured aliphatic and highly oxidized compounds. Marine-influenced humid air masses, combined with active photochemical conditions, promoted aqueous-phase OA formation, leading to higher oxidation states, particularly at the seaside site.
Gaojie Chen, Xiaolong Fan, Haichao Wang, Yee Jun Tham, Ziyi Lin, Xiaoting Ji, Lingling Xu, Baoye Hu, and Jinsheng Chen
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 7815–7828, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-7815-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-7815-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Our study revealed that the nighttime heterogeneous dinitrogen pentoxide (N2O5) uptake process was the major contributor of nitryl chloride (ClNO2) sources, while nitrate photolysis may promote the elevation of daytime ClNO2 concentrations. The rates of alkane oxidation by chlorine (Cl) radical in the early morning exceeded those by OH radical, significantly promoted the formation of ROx and ozone (O3), and further enhanced the atmospheric oxidation capacity levels.
Lingjun Li, Mengren Li, Xiaolong Fan, Yuping Chen, Ziyi Lin, Anqi Hou, Siqing Zhang, Ronghua Zheng, and Jinsheng Chen
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 3669–3685, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-3669-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-3669-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Here, we show differences and variations in the aerosol scattering hygroscopic growth factor (f(RH)) between new particle formation (NPF) and non-NPF days and the effect of aerosol chemical compositions on f(RH) in Xiamen with in situ observations. The findings are helpful for the further understanding of aerosol hygroscopicity in a coastal city and the use of hygroscopic growth factors in models of air quality and climate change.
Baoye Hu, Naihua Chen, Rui Li, Mingqiang Huang, Jinsheng Chen, Youwei Hong, Lingling Xu, Xiaolong Fan, Mengren Li, Lei Tong, Qiuping Zheng, and Yuxiang Yang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 905–921, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-905-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-905-2025, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Box modeling with the Master Chemical Mechanism (MCM) was used to explore summertime peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN) formation and its link to aerosol pollution under high-ozone conditions. The MCM model is effective in the study of PAN photochemical formation and performed better during the clean period than the haze period. Machine learning analysis identified ammonia, nitrate, and fine particulate matter as the top three factors contributing to simulation bias.
Youwei Hong, Keran Zhang, Dan Liao, Gaojie Chen, Min Zhao, Yiling Lin, Xiaoting Ji, Ke Xu, Yu Wu, Ruilian Yu, Gongren Hu, Sung-Deuk Choi, Likun Xue, and Jinsheng Chen
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 10795–10807, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-10795-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-10795-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
Particle uptakes of HCHO and the impacts on PM2.5 and O3 production remain highly uncertain. Based on the investigation of co-occurring wintertime O3 and PM2.5 pollution in a coastal city of southeast China, we found enhanced heterogeneous formation of hydroxymethanesulfonate (HMS) and increased ROx concentrations and net O3 production rates. The findings of this study are helpful to better explore the mechanisms of key precursors for co-occurring PM2.5 and O3 pollution.
Zhibo Xie, Jiaoshi Zhang, Huaqiao Gui, Yang Liu, Bo Yang, Haosheng Dai, Hang Xiao, Douguo Zhang, Da-Ren Chen, and Jianguo Liu
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 2079–2088, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-2079-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-2079-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
The hygroscopic growth of single nanoparticles is important for hygroscopic characteristic analysis of atmospheric particles and for scientific studies involving atmospheric particles. Based on the hygroscopicity difference of subgroups of atmospheric nanoparticles, the classification and proportion analysis of atmospheric nanoparticles has been completed, which has potential significance in predicting the contribution of the atmospheric particulate hygroscopicity and particle growth mechanism.
Jiayan Shi, Yuping Chen, Lingling Xu, Youwei Hong, Mengren Li, Xiaolong Fan, Liqian Yin, Yanting Chen, Chen Yang, Gaojie Chen, Taotao Liu, Xiaoting Ji, and Jinsheng Chen
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 11187–11202, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-11187-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-11187-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) was observed in Southeast China over the period 2012–2020. The observed GEM concentrations showed no distinct inter-annual variation trends. The interpretation rate of transportation and meteorology on GEM variations displayed an increasing trend. In contrast, anthropogenic emissions have shown a decreasing interpretation rate since 2012, indicating the effectiveness of emission mitigation measures in reducing GEM concentrations in the study region.
Youwei Hong, Xinbei Xu, Dan Liao, Taotao Liu, Xiaoting Ji, Ke Xu, Chunyang Liao, Ting Wang, Chunshui Lin, and Jinsheng Chen
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 7827–7841, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-7827-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-7827-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Secondary organic aerosol (SOA) simulation remains uncertain, due to the unknown SOA formation mechanisms. Aerosol samples with a 4 h time resolution were collected, along with online measurements of aerosol chemical compositions and meteorological parameters. We found that anthropogenic emissions, atmospheric oxidation capacity and halogen chemistry have significant effects on the formation of biogenic SOA (BSOA). The findings of this study are helpful to better explore the missed SOA sources.
Taotao Liu, Yiling Lin, Jinsheng Chen, Gaojie Chen, Chen Yang, Lingling Xu, Mengren Li, Xiaolong Fan, Yanting Chen, Liqian Yin, Yuping Chen, Xiaoting Ji, Ziyi Lin, Fuwang Zhang, Hong Wang, and Youwei Hong
Atmos. Chem. Phys. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-2022-292, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-2022-292, 2022
Revised manuscript not accepted
Short summary
Short summary
Field observations and models analysis were carried out in a coastal city to study HCHO formation mechanism and its impacts on photochemistry. HCHO contributed to atmospheric oxidation by around 10 %, reflecting its significance in photochemistry. Disabling HCHO mechanism made net O3 production rates decrease by 31 %, which were dominated by the reductions of pathways relating to radical reactions, indicating the HCHO affected O3 mainly by controlling the efficiencies of radical propagation.
Taotao Liu, Gaojie Chen, Jinsheng Chen, Lingling Xu, Mengren Li, Youwei Hong, Yanting Chen, Xiaoting Ji, Chen Yang, Yuping Chen, Weiguo Huang, Quanjia Huang, and Hong Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 4339–4353, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-4339-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-4339-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
We clarified the seasonal variations of PAN pollution, influencing factors, its mechanisms, and impacts on O3 based on OBM and GAM models. PAN presented inhibition and promotion effects on O3 under low and high ROx levels. Monitoring of PAN and its precursors, and the quantification of its impacts on O3 formation, significantly guide photochemical pollution control. The analysis methods used in this study provide a reference for study of the formation mechanisms of PAN and O3 in other regions.
Taotao Liu, Youwei Hong, Mengren Li, Lingling Xu, Jinsheng Chen, Yahui Bian, Chen Yang, Yangbin Dan, Yingnan Zhang, Likun Xue, Min Zhao, Zhi Huang, and Hong Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 2173–2190, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-2173-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-2173-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Based on the OBM-MCM model analyses, the study aims to clarify (1) the pollution characteristics of O3 and its precursors, (2) the atmospheric oxidation capacity and radical chemistry, and (3) the O3 formation mechanism and sensitivity analysis. The results are expected to enhance the understanding of the O3 formation mechanism with low O3 precursor levels and provide scientific evidence for O3 pollution control in coastal cities.
Baoye Hu, Jun Duan, Youwei Hong, Lingling Xu, Mengren Li, Yahui Bian, Min Qin, Wu Fang, Pinhua Xie, and Jinsheng Chen
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 22, 371–393, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-371-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-22-371-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
There has been a lack of research into HONO in coastal cities with low concentrations of PM2.5, but strong sunlight and high humidity. Insufficient research on coastal cities with good air quality has resulted in certain obstacles to assessing the photochemical processes in these areas. Furthermore, HONO contributes to the atmospheric photochemistry depending on the season. Therefore, observations of HONO across four seasons in the southeastern coastal area of China are urgently needed.
Xiaona Shang, Ling Li, Xinlian Zhang, Huihui Kang, Guodong Sui, Gehui Wang, Xingnan Ye, Hang Xiao, and Jianmin Chen
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 14, 1037–1045, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-14-1037-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-14-1037-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Oxidative stress can be used to evaluate not only adverse health effects but also adverse ecological effects. However, little research uses eco-toxicological assay to assess the risks posed by particle matter to non-human biomes. One important reason might be that the concentration of toxic components of atmospheric particles is far below the high detection limit of eco-toxic measurement. To solve the rapid detection problem, we extended a VACES for ecotoxicity aerosol measurement.
Cited articles
Bergquist, B. A. and Blum, J. D.: Mass-dependent and -independent
fractionation of Hg isotopes by photoreduction in aquatic systems, Science,
318, 417–420, https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1148050, 2007.
Biswas, A., Blum, J. D., Bergquist, B. A., Keeler, G. J., and Xie, Z. Q.:
Natural mercury isotope variation in coal deposits and organic soils,
Environ. Sci. Technol., 42, 8303–8309, https://doi.org/10.1021/es801444b, 2008.
Blum, J. D. and Bergquist, R. A.: Reporting of variations in the natural
isotopic composition of mercury, Anal. Bioanal. Chem., 338, 353–359,
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-007-1236-9, 2007.
Blum, J. D. and Johnson, M. W.: Recent developments in mercury stable
isotope analysis, Non-Traditional Stable Isotopes, 82, 733–757, https://doi.org/10.2138/rmg.2017.82.17, 2017.
Blum, J. D., Sherman, L. S., and Johnson, M. W.: Mercury isotopes in earth and
environmental sciences, Annu. Rev. Earth Pl. Sc., 42, 249–269, https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-earth-050212-124107, 2014.
Chen, J. B., Hintelmann, H., Feng, X. B., and Dimock, B.: Unusual fractionation
of both odd and even mercury isotopes in precipitation from Peterborough,
ON, Canada, Geochim. Cosmochim. Ac., 90, 33–46, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2012.05.005, 2012.
Das, R., Wang, X. F., Khezri, B., Webster, R. D., Sikdar, P. K., and Datta, S.:
Mercury isotopes of atmospheric particle bound mercury for source
apportionment study in urban Kolkata, India, Elementa-Sci. Anthrop., 4,
1–12, https://doi.org/10.12952/journal.elementa.000098, 2016.
Demers, J. D., Blum, J. D., and Zak, D. R.: Mercury isotopes in a forested
ecosystem: Implications for air-surface exchange dynamics and the global
mercury cycle, Global Biogeochem. Cy., 27, 222–238, https://doi.org/10.1002/gbc.20021, 2013.
FIRMS: Fire Information for Resource Management System, available at: https://firms.modaps.eosdis.nasa.gov/map/, last access: 16 December 2021.
Fu, X. W., Zhang, H., Yu, B., Wang, X., Lin, C.-J., and Feng, X. B.: Observations of atmospheric mercury in China: a critical review, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 15, 9455–9476, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-9455-2015, 2015.
Fu, X. W., Yang, X., Tan, Q. Y., Ming, L. L., Lin, T., Lin, C.-J., Li, X.
D., and Feng, X. B.: Isotopic composition of gaseous elemental mercury in the
marine boundary layer of East China Sea, J. Geophys. Res.-Atmos., 123,
7656–7669, https://doi.org/10.1029/2018JD028671, 2018.
Fu, X. W., Zhang, H., Feng, X. B., Tan, Q. Y., Ming, L. L., Liu, C., and Zhang,
L. M.: Domestic and transboundary sources of atmospheric particulate bound
mercury in remote areas of China: Evidence from mercury isotopes, Environ.
Sci. Technol., 53, 1947–1957, https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.8b06736, 2019.
GDAS1: Global Data Assimilation System, available at: ftp://arlftp.arlhq.noaa.gov/pub/archives/gdas1, last access: 16 December 2021.
Guo, J. M., Sharma, C. M., Tripathee L., Kang, S. C., Fu, X. W., Huang, J.,
Shrestha K. L., and Chen, P. F.: Source identification of atmospheric
particle-bound mercury in the Himalayan foothills through non-isotopic and
isotope analyses, Environ. Pollut., 286, 117317, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117317, 2021.
Guo, J. M., Tripathee, L., Kang, S. C., Zhang, Q. G., Huang, J., Sharma, C.
M., Chen, P. F., Paudyal, R., and Rupakheti, D.: Atmospheric particle-bound
mercury in the northern Indo-Gangetic Plain region: Insights into sources
from mercury isotope analysis and influencing factors, Geosci. Front., 13,
101274, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gsf.2021.101274, 2022.
Horowitz, H. M., Jacob, D. J., Zhang, Y., Dibble, T. S., Slemr, F., Amos, H. M., Schmidt, J. A., Corbitt, E. S., Marais, E. A., and Sunderland, E. M.: A new mechanism for atmospheric mercury redox chemistry: implications for the global mercury budget, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 6353–6371, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-6353-2017, 2017.
Hong, Y. W., Chen, J. S., Deng, J. J., Tong, L., Xu, L. L., Niu, Z. C., Yin,
L. Q., Chen, Y. T., and Hong, Z. Y.: Pattern of atmospheric mercury speciation
during episodes of elevated PM2.5 levels in a coastal city in the Yangtze
River Delta, China, Environ. Pollut., 218, 259–268, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2016.06.073, 2016.
Hong, Z. Y., Zhang, H., Zhang, Y. R., Xu, L. L., Liu, T. T., Xiao, H., Hong,
Y. W., Chen, J. S., Li, M. R., Deng, J. J., Wu, X., Hu, B. Y., and Chen, X. Q.:
Secondary organic aerosol of PM2.5 in a mountainous forest area in
southeastern China: Molecular compositions and tracers implication, Sci.
Total Environ., 653, 496–503, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.10.370, 2019.
Huang, Q., Liu, Y. L., Chen, J. B., Feng, X. B., Huang, W. L., Yuan, S. L.,
Cai, H. M., and Fu, X. W.: An improved dual-stage protocol to pre-concentrate
mercury from airborne particles for precise isotopic measurement, J. Anal.
Atom. Spectrom., 30, 957–966, https://doi.org/10.1039/c4ja00438h, 2015.
Huang, Q., Chen, J., Huang, W., Fu, P., Guinot, B., Feng, X., Shang, L., Wang, Z., Wang, Z., Yuan, S., Cai, H., Wei, L., and Yu, B.: Isotopic composition for source identification of mercury in atmospheric fine particles, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 11773–11786, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-11773-2016, 2016.
Huang, Q., Chen, J., Huang, W., Reinfelder, J. R., Fu, P., Yuan, S., Wang, Z., Yuan, W., Cai, H., Ren, H., Sun, Y., and He, L.: Diel variation in mercury stable isotope ratios records photoreduction of PM2.5-bound mercury, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 315–325, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-315-2019, 2019.
Huang, Q., Reinfelder, J. R., Fu, P. Q., and Huang, W. L.: Variation in the
mercury concentration and stable isotope composition of atmospheric total
suspended particles in Beijing, China, J. Hazard. Mater., 383, 121131, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2019.121131, 2020.
Huang, S. Y., Sun, L. M., Zhou, T. J., Yuan, D. X., Du, B., and Sun, X. W.:
Natural stable isotopic compositions of mercury in aerosols and wet
precipitations around a coal-fired power plant in Xiamen, southeast China,
Atmos. Environ., 173, 72–80, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2017.11.003, 2018.
Huang, S. Y., Zhao, Y. H., Lv, S. P., Wang, W. G., Wang, W. L., Zhang, Y.
B., Huo, Y. L., Sun, X. W., and Chen, Y. J.: Distribution of mercury isotope
signatures in Yundang Lagoon, Xiamen, China, after long-term interventions,
Chemosphere, 272, 129716, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.129716, 2021.
Jiskra, M., Wiederhold, J. G., Skyllberg, U., Kronberg, R. M., Hajdas, I.,
and Kretzschmar, R.: Mercury deposition and re-emission pathways in boreal
forest soils investigated with Hg isotope signatures, Environ. Sci.
Technol., 49, 7188–7196, https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.5b00742, 2015.
Lin, H. Y., Yuan, D. X., Lu, B. Y., Huang, S. Y., Sun, L. M., Zhang, F.,
and Gao, Y. Q.: Isotopic composition analysis of dissolved mercury in seawater
with purge and trap preconcentration and a modified Hg introduction device
for MC-ICP-MS, J. Anal. Atom. Spectrom., 30, 353–359, https://doi.org/10.1039/c4ja00242c, 2015.
Malinovsky, D., Latruwe, K., Moens, L., and Vanhaecke, F.: Experimental study of
mass-independence of Hg isotope fractionation during photodecomposition of
dissolved methylmercury, J. Anal. Atom. Spectrom., 25, 950–956, https://doi.org/10.1039/b926650j, 2010.
Mao, H., Cheng, I., and Zhang, L.: Current understanding of the driving mechanisms for spatiotemporal variations of atmospheric speciated mercury: a review, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 12897–12924, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-12897-2016, 2016.
NOAA: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Air Resources Laboratory (ARL), Tech. Rep., available at: https://www.arl.noaa.gov/hysplit/ (last access: 16 December 2021), 2004.
Rolison, J. M., Landing, W. M., Luke, W., Cohen, M., and Salters, V. J. M.:
Isotopic composition of species-specific atmospheric Hg in a coastal
environment, Chem. Geol., 336, 37–49, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemgeo.2012.10.007,
2013.
Schleicher, N. J., Schäfer, J., Blanc, G., Chen, Y., Chai, F., Cen, K.,
and Norra, S.: Atmospheric particulate mercury in the megacity Beijing:
spatio-temporal variations and source apportionment, Atmos. Environ., 109,
251–261, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2015.03.018, 2015.
Schroeder, W. H. and Munthe, J.: Atmospheric mercury – An overview, Atmos.
Environ., 32, 809–822, https://doi.org/10.1016/S1352-2310(97)00293-8, 1998.
Selin, N. E.: Global biogeochemical cycling of mercury: A review, Annu. Rev.
Env. Resour., 34, 43–63, https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.environ.051308.084314, 2009.
Sonke, J. E. and Blum, J. D.: Advances in mercury stable isotope
biogeochemistry preface, Chem. Geol., 336, 1–4, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemgeo.2012.10.035, 2013.
Sun, R. Y., Heimburger, L. E., Sonke, J. E., and Liu, G. J.: Mercury stable
isotope fractionation in six utility boilers of two large coal-fired power
plants, Chem. Geol., 336, 103–111, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemgeo.2012.10.055,
2013.
Sun, R. Y., Sonke, J. E., Heimburger, L. E., Belkin, H. E., Liu, G. J.,
Shome, D., Cukrowska, E., Liousse, C., Pokrovsky, O. S., and Streets, D. G.:
Mercury stable isotope signatures of world coal deposits and historical coal
combustion emissions, Environ. Sci. Technol., 48, 7660–7668, https://doi.org/10.1021/es501208a, 2014.
Sun, G. Y., Sommar, J., Feng, X. B., Lin, C.-J., Ge, M. F., Wang, W. G.,
Yin, R. S., Fu, X. W., and Shang, L. H.: Mass-dependent and -independent
fractionation of mercury isotope during gas-phase oxidation of elemental
mercury vapor by atomic Cl and Br, Environ. Sci. Telchnol., 50,
9232–9241, https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.6b01668, 2016.
Sun, R. Y., Streets, D. G., Horowitz, H. M., Amos, H. M., Liu, G. J.,
Perrot, V., Toutain, J. P., Hintelmann, H., Sunderland, E. M., and Sonke, J. E.:
Historical (1850–2010) mercury stable isotope inventory from anthropogenic
sources to the atmosphere, Elementa-Sci. Anthrop., 4, 1–15, https://doi.org/10.12952/journal.elementa.000091, 2016.
UN Environment: Global Mercury Assessment 2018, UN Environment Programme, Chemicals and Health Branch Geneva, Switzerland, available at: https://www.unep.org/resources/publication/global-mercury-assessment-2018 (last access: 16 December 2021), 2019.
Wang, S. Y., McNamara, S. M., Moore, C. W., Obrist, D., Steffen, A.,
Shepson, P. B., Steabler, R. M., Raso, A. R. W., and Pratt, K. A.: Direct
detection of atmospheric atomic bromine leading to mercury and ozone
depletion, P. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 116, 14479–14484, https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1900613116, 2019.
Wiederhold, J. G., Cramer, C. J., Daniel, K., Infante, I., Bourdon, B., and
Kretzschmar, R.: Equilibrium mercury isotope fractionation between dissolved
Hg(II) species and thiol-bound Hg, Environ. Sci. Technol., 44,
4191–4197, https://doi.org/10.1021/es100205t, 2010.
Xu, H. M., Sonke, J. E., Guinot, B., Fu, X. W., Sun, R. Y., Lanzanova, A.,
Candaudap, F., Shen, Z. X., and Cao, J. J.: Seasonal and annual variations in
atmospheric Hg and Pb isotopes in Xi'an, China, Environ. Sci. Technol.,
51, 3759–3766, https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.6b06145, 2017.
Xu, H. M., Sun, R. Y., Cao, J. J., Huang, R. J., Guinot, B., Shen, Z. X.,
Jiskra, M., Li, C. X., Du, B. Y., He, C., Liu, S. X., Zhang, T., and Sonke, J.
E.: Mercury stable isotope compositions of Chinese urban fine particulates
in winter haze days: Implications for Hg sources and transformations, Chem.
Geol., 504, 267–275, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemgeo.2018.11.018, 2019.
Xu, L. L., Chen, J. S., Yang, L. M., Yin, L. Q., Yu, J. S., Qiu, T. X., and
Hong, Y. W.: Characteristics of total and methyl mercury in wet deposition in
a coastal city, Xiamen, China: Concentrations, fluxes and influencing
factors on Hg distribution in precipitation, Atmos. Environ. 99, 10–16,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2014.09.054, 2014.
Xu, L. L., Jiao, L., Hong, Z. Y., Zhang, Y. R., Du, W. J., Wu, X., Chen, Y.
T., Deng, J. J., Hong, Y. W., and Chen, J. S.: Source identification of
PM2.5 at a port and an adjacent urban site in a coastal city of China:
Impact of ship emissions and port activities, Sci. Total Environ., 634, 1205–1213, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.04.087, 2018.
Xu, L. L., Zhang, Y. R., Tong, L., Chen, Y. P., Zhao, G. Q., Hong, Y. W.,
Xiao, H., and Chen, J. S.: Gas-particle partitioning of atmospheric reactive
mercury and its contribution to particle bound mercury in a coastal city of
the Yangtze River Delta, China, Atmos. Environ., 239, 117744, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2020.117744, 2020.
Xu, L. L., Shi, J. Y., Chen, Y. P., Zhang, Y. R., Yang, M. L., Chen, Y. T., Yin, L. Q., Tong, L., Xiao, H., and Chen, J. S.: Mercury isotopic compositions in fine particles and offshore surface seawater in a coastal area of East China: implications for Hg sources and atmospheric transformations, Zenodo [data set], https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.5784847, 2021.
Yin, R. S., Feng, X. B., and Meng, B.: Stable mercury isotope variation in rice
plants (Oryza sativa L.) from the Wanshan mercury mining district, SW China,
Environ. Sci. Technol., 47, 2238–2245, https://doi.org/10.1021/es304302a, 2013.
Yin, R. S., Feng, X. B., Li, X. D., Yu, B., and Du, B. Y.: Trends and advances
in mercury stable isotopes as a geochemical tracer, Trends Environ. Anal.,
2, 1–10, https://doi.org/10.1021/es500322n, 2014a.
Yin, R. S., Feng, X. B., and Chen, J. B.: Mercury stable isotopic compositions
in coals from major coal producing fields in China and their geochemical and
environmental Implications, Environ. Sci. Technol., 48, 5565–5574,
https://doi.org/10.1021/es500322n, 2014b.
Yin, R. S., Feng, X. B., Hurley, J. P., Krabbenhoft, D. P., Lepak, R. F.,
Hu, R. Z., Zhang, Q., Li, Z. G., and Bi, X. W.: Mercury isotopes as proxies to
identify sources and environmental impacts of mercury in Sphalerites, Sci.
Rep.-UK, 6, 2045–2322, https://doi.org/10.1038/srep18686, 2016.
Yu, B., Wang, X., Lin, C. J., Fu, X. W., Zhang, H., Shang, L. H., and Feng, X.
B.: Characteristics and potential sources of atmospheric mercury at a
subtropical near-coastal site in East China, J. Geophys. Res.-Atmos.,
120, 8563–8574, https://doi.org/10.1002/2015JD023425, 2015.
Yu, B., Fu, X. W., Yin, R. S., Zhang, H., Wang, X., Lin, C. J., Wu, C. S.,
Zhang, Y. P., He, N. N., Fu, P. Q., Wang, Z. F., Shang, L. H., Sommar, J.,
Sonke, J. E., Maurice, L., Guinot, B., and Feng, X. B.: Isotopic composition of
atmospheric mercury in China: New evidence for sources and transformation
processes in air and in vegetation, Environ. Sci. Technol., 50,
9262–9269, https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.6b01782, 2016.
Yu, B., Yang, L., Wang, L., Liu, H., Xiao, C., Liang, Y., Liu, Q., Yin, Y., Hu, L., Shi, J., and Jiang, G.: New evidence for atmospheric mercury transformations in the marine boundary layer from stable mercury isotopes, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 20, 9713–9723, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-9713-2020, 2020.
Zhang, L., Wang, S. X., Wang, L., Wu, L., Duan, L., Wu, Q. R., Wang, F. Y.,
Yang, M., Yang, H., Hao, J. M., and Liu, X.: Updated emission inventories for
speciated atmospheric mercury from anthropogenic sources in China, Environ.
Sci. Technol., 49, 3185–3194, https://doi.org/10.1021/es504840m, 2015.
Zheng, W. and Hintelmann, H.: Mercury isotope fractionation during
photoreduction in natural water is controlled by its Hg
Zheng, W., Obrist, D., Weis, D., and Bergquist, B. A.: Mercury isotope
compositions across North American forests, Global Biogeochem. Cy., 30,
1475–1492, https://doi.org/10.1002/2015gb005323, 2016.
Short summary
Mercury (Hg) isotopic compositions in aerosols are the mixed results of emission sources and atmospheric processes. This study presents Hg isotopic compositions in PM2.5 from different types of locations and total Hg from offshore surface seawater. The results indicate that atmospheric transformations induce significant mass independent fractionation of Hg isotopes, which obscures Hg isotopic signatures of initial emissions.
Mercury (Hg) isotopic compositions in aerosols are the mixed results of emission sources and...
Altmetrics
Final-revised paper
Preprint