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Phosphor Speziation in Mineral Staub und Marineaerosol Partikeln

Fachliche Zuordnung Physik und Chemie der Atmosphäre
Förderung Förderung von 2017 bis 2022
Projektkennung Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Projektnummer 378783753
 
Erstellungsjahr 2023

Zusammenfassung der Projektergebnisse

In order to enhance our understanding of phosphorus availability in the North and Southeastern Tropical Atlantic (NETA/SETA) oceanic regions, we conducted long-term measurements of aerosol particles at two sites: CVAO in Cabo Verde and NDAO in Namibia. In collaboration with local partner institutions (INMG, Cabo Verde and Gobabab, Namibia) atmospheric phosphorus concentrations in both sizeresolved and bulk aerosol particles were quantified. Using highly sensitive LWCC techniques, various forms of phosphorus, including total, inorganic, organic, and soluble phosphorus were measured with the aim of determining the seasonal and interannual phosphorus fluxes in these regions and identifying potential sources and source regions of phosphorus. The results showed significant variability in total phosphorus concentrations between the two sites. On average, phosphorus concentrations at NDAO were 50% higher than those at CVAO, indicating greater phosphorus deposition in the SETA region compared to the NETA regions. Strong seasonal trends influenced by meteorological conditions and air mass influences were observed. While higher concentrations were observed during winter months in the NETA, peak concentrations at NDAO were observed during summer months. Notably, phosphorus was predominantly found in the coarse mode aerosol fractions, with fine-to-coarse mode ratios (PM1.2/PM10) ranging from 0.42 to 0.57 at the NDAO and 0.17 to 0.32 at the CVAO. Inorganic phosphorus contributed over 70% of the total phosphorus at both sites, while organic phosphorus concentrations remained low. Soluble phosphorus fractions were on average about 20% higher at NDAO compared to CVAO and were more prevalent in samples with higher aerosol acidity and organic matter content. During nonmineral dust episodes, a higher soluble phosphorus fraction was observed, suggesting lower solubility of mineral dust-related phosphorus compared to other sources. A strong correlation between phosphorus solubility and particle acidity was found, suggesting that atmospheric processing of aerosol acidic species and particles played a crucial role in enhancing phosphorus solubility in the regions. Multiple sources contributed to atmospheric phosphorus in these regions, with phosphorus abundance in the NETA primarily dominated by Saharan dust events, while Namib desert dust and coastal emissions from sand dunes and biomass burning accounted for the abundance in the SETA region. Correlation analysis indicated that apatite minerals were among the main sources of total phosphorus in dust particles. Our analysis of phosphorus deposition fluxes revealed strong temporal variations and seasonal trends with higher fluxes observed in the SETA region compared to the NETA region. The deposition fluxes of nitrogen and phosphorus indicated a higher phosphorus limitation in the NETA region than in the SETA region, as evidenced by higher deviations from the Redfield ratio observed at CVAO (N:P > 200) compared to NDAO (N:P > 30). These findings have significant implications for combined oceanatmosphere models and our understanding of the key factors influencing the fate of atmospheric phosphorus in the oceans. Moreover, they provide valuable insights into the role of phosphorus in the health of marine and terrestrial ecosystems.

Projektbezogene Publikationen (Auswahl)

 
 

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