Journal of Tropical Oceanography ›› 2025, Vol. 44 ›› Issue (3): 167-178.doi: 10.11978/2024194CSTR: 32234.14.2024194

• Marine Environmental Science • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Tracing the sources and formation mechanisms of marine atmospheric nitrate using stable isotopes

CHEN Tianshu1(), XIAO Hongwei1(), GUAN Wenkai2, XIAO Huayun1   

  1. 1. School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
    2. School of Oceanography, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200230, China;
  • Received:2024-10-15 Revised:2024-11-08 Online:2025-05-10 Published:2025-06-04
  • Contact: XIAO Hongwei
  • Supported by:
    National Key R&D Program of China(2023YFF0806001); National Natural Science Foundation of China(42373083)

Abstract:

Nitrate ($\mathrm{NO}_{3}^{-}$) in the atmosphere, a key product formed from nitrogen oxides (NOx) through reactions with multiple oxidants such as ozone (O3) and hydroxyl radicals (·OH), is one of the main atmospheric pollutants, impacting air quality, climate, and ecosystems. This paper reviews the formation mechanisms, oxidation pathways, and global distribution of nitrogen and oxygen isotopic (such as δ15N and δ18O) signatures in marine atmospheric $\mathrm{NO}_{3}^{-}$, focusing on the roles of various oxidants like O3 and ·OH. Notably, the hydrocarbon/dimethyl sulfide (HC/DMS) pathway, the heterogeneous reaction of N2O5 with chlorine-containing (Cl2) aerosols, and the reaction of NO2 with reactive halogen compounds significantly impact the formation mechanisms of $\mathrm{NO}_{3}^{-}$ in the marine atmosphere and result in elevated δ18O values. Based on global observational data, the δ15N and δ18O composition of $\mathrm{NO}_{3}^{-}$ shows significant variations across different oceanic regions and coastal cities, probably reflecting regional differences in pollution sources, photochemical conditions, and atmospheric reaction pathways. Additionally, $\mathrm{NO}_{3}^{-}$ deposition into marine systems affects the nitrogen cycle within the oceans. Future research should prioritize long-term monitoring and data collection across diverse global regions to enhance quantitative assessments of oxidant contributions, thereby providing a more systematic understanding of atmospheric $\mathrm{NO}_{3}^{-}$ formation mechanisms and their implications for marine ecosystems and climate change.

Key words: stable isotopes, nitrate, marine atmosphere, marine atmospheric nitrate deposition, NOx

CLC Number: 

  • P732