Marine carbohydrates in Arctic aerosol particles and fog – diversity of oceanic sources and atmospheric transformations


Contact
astrid.bracher [ at ] awi.de

Abstract

Carbohydrates, originating from marine microorganisms, enter the atmosphere as part of sea spray aerosol (SSA) and can influence fog and cloud microphysics as cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) or icenucleating particles (INP). Particularly in the remote Arctic region, significant knowledge gaps persist about the sources, the sea-to-air transfer mechanisms, atmospheric concentrations, and processing of this substantial organic group. In this ship-based field study conducted from May to July 2017 in the Fram Strait, Barents Sea, and central Arctic Ocean, we investigated the sea-to-air transfer of marine combined carbohydrates (CCHO) from concerted measurements of the bulk seawater, the sea surface microlayer (SML), aerosol particles and fog. Our results reveal a wide range of CCHO concentrations in seawater (22–1070 μg L-1), with notable variations among different sea-ice-related sea surface compartments. Enrichment factors in the sea surface microlayer (SML) relative to bulk water exhibited variability in both dissolved (0.4–16) and particulate (0.4–49) phases, with the highest values in the marginal ice zone (MIZ) and aged melt ponds. In the atmosphere, CCHO was detected in super- and submicron aerosol particles (CCHOaer;super: 0.07–2.1 ngm-3; CCHOaer;sub: 0.26–4.4 ngm-3) and fog water (CCHOfog;liquid: 18–22 000 μg L-1; CCHOfog;atmos: 3–4300 ngm-3). Enrichment factors for sea–air transfer varied based on assumed oceanic emission sources. Furthermore, we observed rapid atmospheric aging of CCHO, indicating both biological/enzymatic processes and abiotic degradation. This study highlights the diverse marine emission sources in the Arctic Ocean and the atmospheric processes shaping the chemical composition of aerosol particles and fog.



Item Type
Article
Authors
Divisions
Primary Division
Programs
Primary Topic
Publication Status
Published online
Eprint ID
58557
DOI 10.5194/acp-23-15561-2023

Cite as
Zeppenfeld, S. , van Pinxteren, M. , Hartmann, M. , Zeising, M. , Bracher, A. and Herrmann, H. (2023): Marine carbohydrates in Arctic aerosol particles and fog – diversity of oceanic sources and atmospheric transformations , Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics, 23 (24), pp. 15561-15587 . doi: 10.5194/acp-23-15561-2023


Download
[thumbnail of acp23155612023.pdf]
Preview
PDF
acp23155612023.pdf

Download (2MB) | Preview

Share
Add to AnyAdd to TwitterAdd to FacebookAdd to LinkedinAdd to PinterestAdd to Email


Citation

Research Platforms

Campaigns
PS > 106


Actions
Edit Item Edit Item