scholarly journals Oceanic phytoplankton are a potentially important source of benzenoids to the remote marine atmosphere

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Manon Rocco ◽  
Erin Dunne ◽  
Maija Peltola ◽  
Neill Barr ◽  
Jonathan Williams ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atmospheric Chemistry ◽  
Dimethyl Sulfide ◽  
Laboratory Culture ◽  
Marine Phytoplankton ◽  
Marine Atmosphere ◽  
Aerosol Formation ◽  
Incubation Experiments ◽  
Phytoplankton Communities ◽  
Anthropogenic Air Pollutants ◽  
Benzene Toluene

AbstractBenzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes can contribute to hydroxyl reactivity and secondary aerosol formation in the atmosphere. These aromatic hydrocarbons are typically classified as anthropogenic air pollutants, but there is growing evidence of biogenic sources, such as emissions from plants and phytoplankton. Here we use a series of shipborne measurements of the remote marine atmosphere, seawater mesocosm incubation experiments and phytoplankton laboratory cultures to investigate potential marine biogenic sources of these compounds in the oceanic atmosphere. Laboratory culture experiments confirmed marine phytoplankton are a source of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes and in mesocosm experiments their sea-air fluxes varied between seawater samples containing differing phytoplankton communities. These fluxes were of a similar magnitude or greater than the fluxes of dimethyl sulfide, which is considered to be the key reactive organic species in the marine atmosphere. Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes fluxes were observed to increase under elevated headspace ozone concentration in the mesocosm incubation experiments, indicating that phytoplankton produce these compounds in response to oxidative stress. Our findings suggest that biogenic sources of these gases may be sufficiently strong to influence atmospheric chemistry in some remote ocean regions.

scholarly journals Global airborne sampling reveals a previously unobserved dimethyl sulfide oxidation mechanism in the marine atmosphere

2020 ◽  
Vol 117 (9) ◽  
pp. 4505-4510 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick R. Veres ◽  
J. Andrew Neuman ◽  
Timothy H. Bertram ◽  
Emmanuel Assaf ◽  
Glenn M. Wolfe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dimethyl Sulfide ◽  
Cloud Condensation Nuclei ◽  
Sulfide Oxidation ◽  
Oxidation Mechanism ◽  
Global Scale ◽  
Marine Atmosphere ◽  
Aerosol Formation ◽  
Radiative Balance ◽  
Biological Source ◽  
Secondary Aerosols

Dimethyl sulfide (DMS), emitted from the oceans, is the most abundant biological source of sulfur to the marine atmosphere. Atmospheric DMS is oxidized to condensable products that form secondary aerosols that affect Earth’s radiative balance by scattering solar radiation and serving as cloud condensation nuclei. We report the atmospheric discovery of a previously unquantified DMS oxidation product, hydroperoxymethyl thioformate (HPMTF, HOOCH2SCHO), identified through global-scale airborne observations that demonstrate it to be a major reservoir of marine sulfur. Observationally constrained model results show that more than 30% of oceanic DMS emitted to the atmosphere forms HPMTF. Coincident particle measurements suggest a strong link between HPMTF concentration and new particle formation and growth. Analyses of these observations show that HPMTF chemistry must be included in atmospheric models to improve representation of key linkages between the biogeochemistry of the ocean, marine aerosol formation and growth, and their combined effects on climate.

scholarly journals Continuous measurements of nitrous oxide isotopomers during incubation experiments

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Malte Winther ◽  
David Balslev-Harder ◽  
Søren Christensen ◽  
Anders Priemé ◽  
Bo Elberling ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nitrous Oxide ◽  
Greenhouse Gas ◽  
Isotope Effect ◽  
Atmospheric Chemistry ◽  
Isotope Effects ◽  
Denitrifying Bacteria ◽  
Central Position ◽  
Site Preference ◽  
Continuous Measurements ◽  
Incubation Experiments

Abstract. Nitrous oxide (N2O) is an important and strong greenhouse gas in the atmosphere and part of a feed-back loop with climate. N2O is produced by microbes during nitrification and denitrification in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The main sinks for N2O are turnover by denitrification and photolysis and photo-oxidation in the stratosphere. The position of the isotope 15N in the linear N = N = O molecule can be distinguished between the central or terminal position (isotopomers of N2O). It has been demonstrated that nitrifying and denitrifying microbes have a different relative preference for the terminal and central position. Therefore, measurements of the site preference in N2O can be used to determine the source of N2O i.e. nitrification or denitrification. Recent instrument development allows for continuous (on the order of days) position dependent δ15N measurements at N2O concentrations relevant for studies of atmospheric chemistry. We present results from continuous incubation experiments with denitrifying bacteria, Pseudomonas fluorescens (producing and reducing N2O) and P. chlororaphis (only producing N2O). The continuous position dependent measurements reveal the transient pattern (KNO3 to N2O and N2, respectively), which can be compared to previous reported site preference (SP) values. We find bulk isotope effects of −5.5 ‰ ± 0.9 for P. chlororaphis. For P. fluorescens, the bulk isotope effect during production of N2O is −50.4 ‰ ± 9.3 and 8.5 ‰ ± 3.7 during N2O reduction. The values for P. fluorescens are in line with earlier findings, whereas the values for P. chlororaphis are larger than previously published δ15Nbulk measurements from production. The calculations of the SP isotope effect from the measurements of P. chlororaphis result in values of −6.6 ‰ ± 1.8. For P. fluorescens, the calculations results in SP values of −5.7 ‰ ± 5.6 during production of N2O and 2.3 ‰ ± 3.2 during reduction of N2O. In summary, we implemented continuous measurements of N2O isotopomers during incubation of denitrifying bacteria and believe that similar experiments will lead to a better understanding of denitrifying bacteria and N2O turnover in soils and sediments and ultimately hands-on knowledge on the biotic mechanisms behind greenhouse gas exchange of the Globe.

scholarly journals Diversity of dinoflagellate assemblages in coastal temperate and offshore tropical waters of Australia

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tahnee Manning ◽  
Arjun Venkatesh Thilagaraj ◽  
Dmitri Mouradov ◽  
Richard Piola ◽  
Clare Grandison ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dissolved Oxygen ◽  
High Throughput ◽  
Harmful Algal Blooms ◽  
Algal Blooms ◽  
High Throughput Sequencing ◽  
Environmental Parameters ◽  
Marine Phytoplankton ◽  
Tropical Waters ◽  
Total Sequence ◽  
Phytoplankton Communities

Abstract Background Dinoflagellates are a ubiquitous and ecologically important component of marine phytoplankton communities, with particularly notable species including those associated with harmful algal blooms (HABs) and those that bioluminesce. High-throughput sequencing offers a novel approach compared to traditional microscopy for determining species assemblages and distributions of dinoflagellates, which are poorly known especially in Australian waters. Results We assessed the composition of dinoflagellate assemblages in two Australian locations: coastal temperate Port Phillip Bay and offshore tropical waters of Davies Reef (Great Barrier Reef). These locations differ in certain environmental parameters reflecting latitude as well as possible anthropogenic influences. Molecular taxonomic assessment revealed more species than traditional microscopy, and it showed statistically significant differences in dinoflagellate assemblages between locations. Bioluminescent species and known associates of HABs were present at both sites. Dinoflagellates in both areas were mainly represented by the order Gymnodiniales (66%—82% of total sequence reads). In the warm waters of Davies Reef, Gymnodiniales were equally represented by the two superclades, Gymnodiniales sensu stricto (33%) and Gyrodinium (34%). In contrast, in cooler waters of Port Phillip Bay, Gymnodiniales was mainly represented by Gyrodinium (82%). In both locations, bioluminescent dinoflagellates represented up to 0.24% of the total sequence reads, with Protoperidinium the most abundant genus. HAB-related species, mainly represented by Gyrodinium, were more abundant in Port Phillip Bay (up to 47%) than at Davies Reef (28%), potentially reflecting anthropogenic influence from highly populated and industrial areas surrounding the bay. The entire assemblage of dinoflagellates, as well as the subsets of HAB and bioluminescent species, were strongly correlated with water quality parameters (R2 = 0.56–0.92). Significant predictors differed between the subsets: HAB assemblages were explained by salinity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and total dissolved solids; whereas, bioluminescent assemblages were explained only by salinity and dissolved oxygen, and had greater variability. Conclusion High-throughput sequencing and genotyping revealed greater diversity of dinoflagellate assemblages than previously known in both subtropical and temperate Australian waters. Significant correlations of assemblage structure with environmental variables suggest the potential for explaining the distribution and composition of both HAB species and bioluminescent species.

scholarly journals Coral reef-derived dimethyl sulfide and the climatic impact of the loss of coral reefs

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonya L. Fiddes ◽  
Matthew T. Woodhouse ◽  
Todd P. Lane ◽  
Robyn Schofield
Keyword(s):  
Coral Reef ◽  
Coral Reefs ◽  
Dimethyl Sulfide ◽  
Climate Model ◽  
Global Climate Model ◽  
Regional Climate ◽  
Atmospheric Composition ◽  
Aerosol Formation ◽  
Climatic Impact ◽  
Comparable Amount

Abstract. Dimethyl sulfide (DMS) is a naturally occurring aerosol precursor gas which plays an important role in the global sulfur budget, aerosol formation and climate. While DMS is produced predominantly by phytoplankton, recent observational literature has suggested that corals and their symbionts produce a comparable amount of DMS, which is unaccounted for in models. It has further been hypothesised that the coral reef source of DMS may modulate regional climate. This hypothesis presents a particular concern given the current threat to coral reefs under anthropogenic climate change. In this paper, a global climate model with online chemistry and aerosol is used to explore the influence of coral reef-derived DMS on atmospheric composition and climate. A simple representation of coral reef-derived DMS is developed and added to a common DMS surface water climatology, resulting in an additional DMS flux of 0.3 Tg year−1 S, or 1.7 % of the global flux. By comparing the differences between both nudged and free running ensemble simulations with and without coral reef-derived DMS, the influence of coral reef-derived DMS on regional climate is quantified. In the Maritime Continent-Australian region, where the highest density of coral reefs exist, a small decrease in nucleation and Aitken mode aerosol number concentration and mass is found when coral reef DMS emissions are removed from the system. However, these small responses are found to have no robust effect on regional climate via direct and indirect aerosol effects. This work emphasises the complexities of the aerosol-climate system and the limitations of current modelling capabilities are highlighted, in particular surrounding convective responses to changes in aerosol. In conclusion we find no robust evidence that coral reef-derived DMS influences global and regional climate.

scholarly journals Rapid formation of isoprene photo-oxidation products observed in Amazonia

2009 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 13629-13653 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Karl ◽  
A. Guenther ◽  
A. Turnipseed ◽  
P. Artaxo ◽  
S. Martin
Keyword(s):  
Atmospheric Chemistry ◽  
Global Climate ◽  
Oxidative Capacity ◽  
Oxidation Products ◽  
Lower Atmosphere ◽  
Peroxy Radicals ◽  
Aerosol Formation ◽  
Photo Oxidation ◽  
Voc Oxidation ◽  
Rapid Formation

Abstract. Isoprene represents the single most important reactive hydrocarbon for atmospheric chemistry in the tropical atmosphere. It plays a central role in global and regional atmospheric chemistry and possible climate feedbacks. Photo-oxidation of primary hydrocarbons (e.g. isoprene) leads to the formation of oxygenated VOCs (OVOCs). The evolution of these intermediates affects the oxidative capacity of the atmosphere (by reacting with OH) and can contribute to secondary aerosol formation, a poorly understood process. An accurate and quantitative understanding of VOC oxidation processes is needed for model simulations of regional air quality and global climate. Based on field measurements conducted during the Amazonian aerosol characterization experiment (AMAZE-08) we show that the production of certain OVOCs (e.g. hydroxyacetone) from isoprene photo-oxidation in the lower atmosphere is significantly underpredicted by standard chemistry schemes. A recently suggested novel pathway for isoprene peroxy radicals could explain the observed discrepancy and reconcile the rapid formation of these VOCs. Furthermore, if generalized our observations suggest that prompt photochemical formation of OVOCs and other uncertainties in VOC oxidation schemes could result in substantial underestimates of modelled OH reactivity that could explain a major fraction of the missing OH sink over forests which has previously been attributed to a missing source of primary biogenic VOCs.

Nutrient-related selection mechanisms in marine phytoplankton communities and the impact of eutrophication on the planktonic food web

1995 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 63-75 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Riegman
Keyword(s):  
Algal Blooms ◽  
Algal Biomass ◽  
Resource Competition ◽  
Water Quality Management ◽  
Algal Species ◽  
Marine Phytoplankton ◽  
Commercial Fish ◽  
N Limitation ◽  
Phytoplankton Communities ◽  
The Impact

A general increase in nutrient discharges during the last few decades has caused various changes in the algal community structure along the European continental coast. Coincidentally and maybe consequently, the foodweb structure and functioning has altered in local areas causing various phenomena like oxygen depletion, mortality of groups of organisms, foam on beaches, and an increase in the productivity of benthic communities and some commercial fish species. The observed increases in algal biomass and shifts in species composition are discussed in relation to the involved key mechanisms: resource competition and selective grazing. Along the Dutch coastal zone of the North Sea eutrophication has caused a doubling of the yearly averaged algal biomass during the past three decades. The sudden appearance of Phaeocystis summer blooms coincided with a shift from P-limitation towards N-limitation in the Dutch coastal area due to a stronger increase in P-discharge relative to the increase in N-discharge. Competition experiments in continuous cultures showed Phaeocystis to become dominant under N-limitation. Additionally, the large Phaeocystis colonies, which can reach a diameter up to one centimetre, escape from microzooplankton grazing. A computer model is presented which demonstrates a shift from bottom-up towards top-down control if the pelagic environment becomes eutrophicated. Implementation of this concept in a size-differential phytoplankton control model generates the prediction that algal blooms are dominated by species that escape from grazing by those zooplankton species which have a high potential numerical response. In marine environments these are microzooplankton species. These organisms mainly feed on cyanobacteria, prochlorophytes and some nano-algal species. One of the consequences for foodweb structure and the carbon fluxes in marine foodwebs is that eutrophication will lead to the dominance of poorly edible algal species. Eutrophication favours the downward transport of carbon and nutrients towards the sediments not only due to higher algal biomasses but also as a consequence of a shift towards larger algal species with higher sedimentation characteristics. An example is given how these new insights can be used for water quality management purposes.

scholarly journals Observationally constrained analysis of sea salt aerosol in the marine atmosphere

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huisheng Bian ◽  
Karl Froyd ◽  
Daniel M. Murphy ◽  
Jack Dibb ◽  
Mian Chin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Atmospheric Chemistry ◽  
Marine Boundary Layer ◽  
Model Simulation ◽  
In Situ Measurements ◽  
Sea Salt ◽  
Boreal Summer ◽  
Integrated Analysis ◽  
Marine Atmosphere

Abstract. Atmospheric sea salt plays important roles in marine cloud formation and atmospheric chemistry. We performed an integrated analysis of NASA GEOS model simulations run with the GOCART aerosol module, in situ measurements from the PALMS and SAGA instruments obtained during the NASA ATom campaign, and aerosol optical depth (AOD) measurements from AERONET Marine Aerosol Network (MAN) sun photometers and from MODIS satellite observations to better constrain sea salt in the marine atmosphere. ATom measurements and GEOS model simulation both show that sea salt concentrations over the Pacific and Atlantic oceans have a strong vertical gradient, varying up to four orders of magnitude from the marine boundary layer to free troposphere. The modeled residence times suggest that the lifetime of sea salt particles with dry diameter less than 3 μm is largely controlled by wet removal, followed next by turbulent process. During both boreal summer and winter, the GEOS simulated sea salt mass mixing ratios agree with SAGA measurements in the marine boundary layer (MBL) and with PALMS measurements above the MBL. However, comparison of AOD from GEOS with AERONET/MAN and MODIS aerosol retrievals indicated that the model underestimated AOD over the oceans where sea salt dominates. The apparent discrepancy of slightly overpredicted concentration and large underpredicted AOD could not be explained by biases in the model RH, which was found to be comparable to or larger than the in-situ measurements. This conundrum is at least partially explained by the sea salt size distribution; where the GEOS simulation has much less sea salt percentage-wise in the smaller particles than was observed by PALMS. Model sensitivity experiments indicated that the simulated sea salt is better correlated with measurements when the sea salt emission is calculated based on the friction velocity and with consideration of sea surface temperature dependence than that parameterized with the 10-m winds.

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