Advancing isotope-enabled model for comprehensive understanding of atmospheric sulfur isotope effects: demonstrating the overlooked isotopic fractionation during combustion and flue gas desulfurization

Wei, Lianfang; Chen, Xueshun; Yang, Wenyi; Wang, Zhe; Li, Jie; Liu, Di; Du, Huiyun; Pan, Xiaole; Cheng, Yafang; Fu, Pingqing; Wang, Zifa

doi:10.5194/acp-26-11667-2026

Articles | Volume 26, issue 16

https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-11667-2026

© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-11667-2026

© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Articles | Volume 26, issue 16

Research article

|

19 Aug 2026

Research article |

| 19 Aug 2026

Advancing isotope-enabled model for comprehensive understanding of atmospheric sulfur isotope effects: demonstrating the overlooked isotopic fractionation during combustion and flue gas desulfurization

Lianfang Wei, Xueshun Chen, Wenyi Yang, Zhe Wang, Jie Li, Di Liu, Huiyun Du, Xiaole Pan, Yafang Cheng, Pingqing Fu, and Zifa Wang

Supplement

https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-11667-2026-supplement

Data sets

The dataset of compiled observed and simulated sulfur isotopic composition (δ34S_SO2, δ34S_SO42−) across Eastern China's cities Lianfang Wei https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14357423

Model code and software

Isotopic Chemistry Module Developed and Coupled with NAQPMS Model Lianfang Wei https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14724954

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Short summary

Current models cannot track sulfur isotope changes during atmospheric transformations. We developed a new model that simulates these processes. It reproduces the isotope fractionation patterns, capturing both spatial and seasonal variations. This validation shows sulfate isotope signatures often resemble those of fuels despite chemical processing. Our results suggest combustion alters sulfur isotope ratios, counterbalancing chemical effects.