Abstract
In order to identify the sources of organic carbon (OC) and elemental carbon (EC) in airborne PM2.5 in Hangzhou, OC and EC were oxidized to CO2 offline in two thermal steps, and their carbon isotope compositions were measured by mass spectrometer. Results showed that the average δ13COC values were −52.8‰, −48.1‰, −50.0‰ and −52.5‰ in spring, summer, autumn, and winter, respectively, and the annual average value was −50.9‰ (−85.0‰ to −35.6‰), whereas δ13CEC values were −26.4‰, −26.9‰, −26.7‰ and −25.9‰ in the four seasons, and its annual value was −26.5‰ (−30.5‰ to −23.8‰). Large differences were found between isotope compositions of the two types of carbon. δ13COC values were much smaller than those of δ13CEC, and varied in a large range, and the ratios in both spring and winter were the smallest. δ13CEC varied in a small range, and its mean values in four seasons were nearly the same. This suggests that the carbon isotope compositions of OC and EC in PM2.5 can provide useful information in distinguishing their sources.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Dan M, Zhuang G, Li X, et al. The characteristics of carbonaceous species and their sources in PM2.5 in Beijing. Atmos Environ, 2004, 38(21): 3443–3452
Huang H, Lee S, Cao J, et al. Characterization of indoor/outdoor organic and elemental carbon in PM2 5 during summer in Guangzhou city. Acta Sci Circumst (in Chinese), 2005, 25(9): 1242–1249
Giugliano M, Lonati G, Butelli P, et al. Fine particulate (PM2.5-PM1) at urban sites with different traffic exposure. Atmos Environ, 2005, 39(13): 2421–2431
Querol X, Alastuey A, Ruiz C R, et al. Speciation and origin of PM10 and PM2.5 in selected European cities. Atmos Environ, 2004, 38(38): 6547–6555
Simoneit B R T. Compound-specific carbon isotope analyses of individual long-chain alkanes and alkanoic aids in Harmattan aerosols. Atmos Environ, 1997, 31(15): 2225–2233
Norman A L, Hopper J F, Blanchard P, et al. The stable carbon isotope composition of atmospheric PAHs. Atmos Environ, 1999, 33(17): 2807–2814
Widory D, Roy S, Moullec Y L, et al. The origin of atmospheric particles in Paris: A view through carbon and lead isotopes. Atmos Environ, 2004, 38(7): 953–961
Brinka H, Maenhaut W, Hitzenberger R, et al. INTERCOMP2000: The comparability of methods in use in Europe for measuring the carbon content of aerosol. Atmos Environ, 2004, 38(38): 6507–6519
Arhami M, Kuhn T, Philip M, et al. Effects of sampling artifacts and operating parameters on the performance of a semicontinuous particulate elemental carbon/organic carbon monitor. Environ Sci Tech, 2006, 40(3): 945–954
Ho K F, Lee S C, Cao J J, et al. Variability of organic and elemental carbon, water soluble organic carbon, and isotopes in Hong Kong. Atmos Chem Phys Discuss, 2006, 6(3): 4579–4600
Huang L, Brook J R, Zhang W, et al. Stable isotope measurements of carbon fractions (OC/EC) in airborne particulate: A new dimension for source characterization and apportionment. Atmos Environ, 2006, 40(15): 2690–2705
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Additional information
Supported by “131” Project Fund of Hangzhou Municipal Government of China
About this article
Cite this article
Liu, G., Zhang, X., Teng, W. et al. Isotopic composition of organic carbon and elemental carbon in PM2.5 in Hangzhou, China. CHINESE SCI BULL 52, 2435–2437 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11434-007-0347-1
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11434-007-0347-1