Articles | Volume 26, issue 16
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-11667-2026
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-26-11667-2026
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

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Cited articles

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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.
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