Environmental science: atmospheres最新文献

{"title":"Interaction of ions and surfactants at the seawater–air interface†","authors":"Shirin Gholami, Tillmann Buttersack, Clemens Richter, Florian Trinter, Rémi Dupuy, Louisa Cablitz, Qi Zhou, Christophe Nicolas, Andrey Shavorskiy, Dian Diaman, Uwe Hergenhahn, Bernd Winter and Hendrik Bluhm","doi":"10.1039/D4EA00151F","DOIUrl":"10.1039/D4EA00151F","url":null,"abstract":"<p >The interface of the oceans and aqueous aerosols with air drives many important physical and chemical processes in the environment, including the uptake of CO<small>₂</small> by the oceans. Transport across and reactions at the ocean–air boundary are in large part determined by the chemical composition of the interface, <em>i.e.</em>, the first few nanometers into the ocean. The main constituents of the interface, besides water molecules, are dissolved ions and amphiphilic surfactants, which are ubiquitous in nature. We have used a combination of surface tension measurements and liquid-jet X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to investigate model seawater solutions at realistic ocean-water ion concentrations in the absence and in the presence of model surfactants. Our investigations provide a quantitative picture of the enhancement or reduction of the concentration of ions due to the presence of charged surfactants at the interface. We have also directly determined the concentration of surfactants at the interface, which is related to the ionic strength of the solution (<em>i.e.</em>, the “salting out” effect). Our results show that the interaction of ions and surfactants can strongly change the concentration of both classes of species at aqueous solution–air interfaces, with direct consequences for heterogeneous reactions as well as gas uptake and release at ocean–air interfaces.</p>","PeriodicalId":72942,"journal":{"name":"Environmental science: atmospheres","volume":" 3","pages":" 291-299"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-02-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11843437/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143484936","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Salting out and nitrogen effects on cloud-nucleating ability of amino acid aerosol mixtures †","authors":"Nahin Ferdousi-Rokib, Kotiba A. Malek, Kanishk Gohil, Kiran R. Pitta, Dabrina D Dutcher, Timothy M. Raymond, Miriam Arak Freedman and Akua A. Asa-Awuku","doi":"10.1039/D4EA00128A","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EA00128A","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Atmospheric aerosols exist as complex mixtures containing three or more compounds. Ternary aerosol mixtures composed of organic/organic/inorganic can undergo liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) under supersaturated conditions, affecting phase morphology and water uptake propensity. Phase separation and water uptake in ternary systems has previously been parameterized by oxygen to carbon (O : C) ratio; however, nitrogen containing organics, such as amino acid aerosols, also exist within complex mixtures. Yet, amino acid mixture CCN activity is poorly understood. In this study, we study the supersaturated hygroscopicity of three systems of internal mixtures containing ammonium sulfate (AS), 2-methylglutaric acid (2-MGA), and an amino acid. The three systems are AS/2-MGA/proline (Pro), AS/2-MGA/valine (Val), and AS/2-MGA/leucine (Leu). The amino acids are similar in O : C ratios but vary in solubility. Water-uptake, across a range of aerosol compositions in the ternary space, is measured using a cloud condensation nuclei counter (CCNC) from 0.4 to 1.7% supersaturation (SS). The single hygroscopicity parameter, <em>κ</em>, was calculated from CCNC measurements. All three systems exhibit two regions; one of these regions is phase separated mixtures when the composition is dominated by AS and 2-MGA; 2-MGA partitions to the droplet surface due to its surface-active nature and has a negligible contribution to water uptake. The second region is a homogeneous aerosol mixture, where all three compounds contribute to hygroscopicity. However, well mixed aerosol hygroscopicity is dependent on the solubility of the amino acid. Mixed Pro aerosols are the most hygroscopic while Leu aerosols are the least hygroscopic. Theoretical <em>κ</em> values were calculated using established models, including traditional <em>κ</em>-Köhler, O : C solubility and O : C-LLPS models. To account for the possible influence of polar N–C bonds on solubility and water uptake, the <em>X</em> : C parameterization is introduced through the <em>X</em> : C solubility and <em>X</em> : C-LLPS models; <em>X</em> : C is obtained from the ratio of oxygen and nitrogen to carbon. The study demonstrates competing organic–inorganic interactions driven by salting out effects in the presence of AS. Traditional methods cannot further encapsulate the non-ideal thermodynamic interactions within nitrogen-containing organic aerosol mixtures thus predictions of LLPS and hygroscopicity in nitrogen containing ternary systems should incorporate surface activity, O–C, N–C bonds, and salting out effects.</p>","PeriodicalId":72942,"journal":{"name":"Environmental science: atmospheres","volume":" 4","pages":" 485-501"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-01-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/ea/d4ea00128a?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143809084","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Emissions from agricultural fires in India: field measurements of climate relevant aerosol chemical and optical properties†","authors":"Taveen Singh Kapoor, Gupta Anurag, Chimurkar Navinya, Saurabh Lonkar, Kajal Yadav, Ramya Sunder Raman, Chandra Venkataraman and Harish C. Phuleria","doi":"10.1039/D4EA00104D","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EA00104D","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Carbonaceous aerosol particles are associated with large uncertainties in their climate impacts because of incomplete knowledge of their optical properties and emission magnitudes. Biomass-burning sources significantly contribute to carbonaceous aerosol emissions in India, with crop residue burning being crucial during post-harvest months. Here, for the first time, we study the chemical and optical properties of emission aerosols using <em>in situ</em> real-time and filter-based measurements from significantly contributing crop residue straws, stalks, and stems in India. Emitted particles exhibited optical behaviour characteristic of the brown-black carbon absorption continuum, with large mass absorption cross-sections (MAC<small>₅₂₀</small>: 8.2 ± 9.6 m<small>²</small> g<small>⁻¹</small>) and small absorption Angström exponents (AAE<small>_370/660</small>: 1.97 ± 0.81). They contain significant amounts of lower volatility organic (OC<small>_LV</small>) and elemental carbon fractions. The relative abundances of OC<small>_LV</small> correlate positively with MAC<small>₅₂₀</small> and negatively with AAE<small>_370/660</small>, implying significant absorption exerted by OC<small>_LV</small>, with likely atmospheric persistence. Additionally, we measured emission factors for a complete list of particulate chemical constituents. Emission factors of elemental carbon are larger than those in earlier studies, indicating a 1.6–3.8 times increase in the climate warming potential of the emitted particles from crop residue burning. The intrinsic property measurements and the emissions estimates made here can aid climate modelling efforts that underestimate aerosol absorption in the region.</p>","PeriodicalId":72942,"journal":{"name":"Environmental science: atmospheres","volume":" 3","pages":" 316-331"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-01-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/ea/d4ea00104d?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143611949","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Particles emitted from smouldering peat: size-resolved composition and emission factors†","authors":"Amy L. Wilson, Wuquan Cui, Yuqi Hu, Marta Chiapasco, Guillermo Rein, Alexandra E. Porter, Geoff Fowler and Marc E. J. Stettler","doi":"10.1039/D4EA00124A","DOIUrl":"10.1039/D4EA00124A","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Peat fires emit large quantities of particles and gases, which cause extensive haze events. Epidemiological studies have correlated wildfire smoke inhalation with increased morbidity and mortality. Despite this, uncertainties surrounding particle properties and their impact on human health and the climate remain. To expand on the limited understanding this laboratory study investigated the physicochemical characteristics of particles emitted from smouldering Irish peat. Properties investigated included number and mass emission factors (EFs), size distribution, morphology, and chemical composition. Fine particles with a diameter less than 2.5 μm (PM<small>_2.5</small>), accounted for 91 ± 2% of the total particle mass and the associated mass EF was 12.52 ± 1.40 g kg<small>⁻¹</small>. Transmission electron microscopy imaging revealed irregular shaped metal particles, spherical sulfate particles, and carbonaceous particles with clusters of internal particles. Extracted particle-bound metals accounted for 3.1 ± 0.5% of the total particle mass, with 86% of the quantified metals residing in the fraction with a diameter less than 1 μm. Redox active and carcinogenic metals were detected in the particles, which have been correlated with adverse health effects if inhaled. This study improves the understanding of size-resolved particle characteristics relevant to near-source human exposure and will provide a basis for comparison to other controlled and natural peatland fires.</p>","PeriodicalId":72942,"journal":{"name":"Environmental science: atmospheres","volume":" 3","pages":" 348-366"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-01-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11827554/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143434429","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Microplastics in settled dust from university indoor environments: Puerto Colombia, Colombia†","authors":"Maria Gabriela Avilés Valera, Victoria Andrea Arana Rengifo and Carlos David Grande-Tovar","doi":"10.1039/D4EA00139G","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EA00139G","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Microplastics (MPs), plastic particles ranging from 1 μm to 5 mm, are contaminants of concern due to their adverse effects on human health. Interest in analyzing their presence in settled dust from indoor environments has increased. However, available data remain limited. This study analyzes the presence of MPs in deposited dust from three indoor university environments: a laboratory, a classroom, and a conference room in Puerto Colombia, Colombia, using a stereomicroscope for quantification and physical analysis and micro-Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (μATR-FT-IR) for chemical characterization. Our findings revealed the highest mean abundance of anthropogenic microparticles and MPs in the laboratory (2070 microparticles per g – 1635 MPs per g), followed by the classroom (1141 microparticles per g – 949 MPs per g) and the conference room (955 microparticles per g – 803 MPs per g). No correlations were found between microparticle abundance and temperature or relative humidity. Fibers were predominant, and most particles fell within the size of 501–1000 μm, with polyethylene terephthalate (PET; 12.2%), polypropylene (PP; 17%), and polyester (32.7%) being the most common polymers across all analyzed samples. μATR-FT-IR analysis also revealed multi-component polymers and weathering on the MPs. Notably, the estimated daily intake (EDI) of MPs was higher among teenagers (mean EDI: 0.47 microparticles per kg – bw per day) than adults, suggesting that dust is a critical exposure pathway. This study calls for increased research on MPs in indoor spaces. It focuses on their transport mechanism and its relationship with climate variables. It also focuses on multi-component and weathered MPs to better understand their dispersion and interaction with the human body and environment.</p>","PeriodicalId":72942,"journal":{"name":"Environmental science: atmospheres","volume":" 3","pages":" 332-347"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-01-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/ea/d4ea00139g?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143611950","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Highly diverse emission of volatile organic compounds by Sitka spruce and determination of their emission pathways†","authors":"Hayley Furnell, John Wenger, Astrid Wingler, Kieran N. Kilcawley, David T. Mannion, Iwona Skibinska and Julien Kammer","doi":"10.1039/D4EA00138A","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EA00138A","url":null,"abstract":"<p >The diversity of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) emitted by Sitka spruce (<em>Picea sitchensis</em>) saplings, housed in a plant growth chamber, has been investigated using a combination of on-line (time-of-flight chemical ionisation mass spectrometry) and off-line (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry) measurement techniques. In total, 74 BVOCs were identified in the Sitka spruce emissions, considerably more than reported previously. Among the emitted BVOCs, 52 were oxygenated compounds, with piperitone (C<small>₁₀</small>H<small>₁₆</small>O), an oxygenated monoterpene, being the most abundant. Other prevalent emissions included isoprene, five monoterpenes (myrcene, β-phellandrene, δ-limonene, α-pinene, and camphene), cinnamaldehyde and camphor. Temperature and photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) were found to be the main drivers of emissions, with BVOCs exhibiting a range of responses to these factors. Three different plant growth cycles were used to identify the emission pathways (pooled or biosynthetic) for each BVOC, through determination of the relationships of the emission flux with temperature and with PPFD. During these cycles, all BVOCs showed clear diurnal patterns that were highly reproducible during consecutive days. The majority of the BVOCs emitted by Sitka spruce were found to originate from biosynthetic and pooled pathways simultaneously, with those from one sapling having a much lower contribution from the biosynthetic pathway. Standardised emission fluxes (temperature 30 °C and PPFD 1000 μmol m<small>⁻²</small> s<small>⁻¹</small>) were calculated for all BVOCs using the appropriate standardisation model (pooled, biosynthetic or combined). Standard emission factors were calculated to be 17.29 μg g<small>_dw</small><small>⁻¹</small> h<small>⁻¹</small> for piperitone, 6.3 μg g<small>_dw</small><small>⁻¹</small> h<small>⁻¹</small> for isoprene and 0.93 μg g<small>_dw</small><small>⁻¹</small> h<small>⁻¹</small> for monoterpenes, indicating that Sitka spruce is a strong BVOC emitter.</p>","PeriodicalId":72942,"journal":{"name":"Environmental science: atmospheres","volume":" 2","pages":" 242-260"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-01-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/ea/d4ea00138a?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143396439","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Environmental Science: Atmospheres five years on","authors":"Neil M. Donahue","doi":"10.1039/D4EA90048K","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EA90048K","url":null,"abstract":"<p >A graphical abstract is available for this content</p>","PeriodicalId":72942,"journal":{"name":"Environmental science: atmospheres","volume":" 1","pages":" 7-7"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-01-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/ea/d4ea90048k?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142993897","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Photodegradation of naphthalene-derived particle oxidation products†","authors":"Félix Sari Doré, Cecilie Carstens, Jens Top, Yanjun Zhang, Clément Dubois, Sébastien Perrier, Imad El Haddad, David M. Bell and Matthieu Riva","doi":"10.1039/D4EA00125G","DOIUrl":"10.1039/D4EA00125G","url":null,"abstract":"<p >While photochemical aging is known to alter secondary organic aerosol (SOA) properties, this process remains poorly constrained for anthropogenic SOA. This study investigates the photodegradation of SOA produced from the hydroxyl radical-initiated oxidation of naphthalene under low- and high-NO<small>_<em>x</em></small> conditions. We used state-of-the-art mass spectrometry (MS) techniques, including extractive electrospray ionization and chemical ionization MS, for the in-depth molecular characterization of gas and particulate phases. SOA were exposed to simulated irradiation at different stages, <em>i.e.</em>, during formation and growth. We found a rapid (<em>i.e.</em> &gt;30 min) photodegradation of high-molecular-weight compounds in the particle-phase. Notably, species with 20 carbon atoms (C<small>₂₀</small>) decreased by 2/3 in the low-NO<small>_<em>x</em></small> experiment which was associated with particle mass loss (∼12%). Concurrently, the formation of oligomers with shorter carbon skeletons in the particle-phase was identified along with the release of volatile products such as formic acid and formaldehyde in the gas-phase. These reactions are linked to photolabile functional groups within the naphthalene-derived SOA products, which increases their likelihood of being degraded under UV light. Overall, photodegradation caused a notable change in the molecular composition altering the physical properties (<em>e.g.</em>, volatility) of naphthalene-derived SOA.</p>","PeriodicalId":72942,"journal":{"name":"Environmental science: atmospheres","volume":" 3","pages":" 300-315"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-01-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11727846/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143017421","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Statistical assessment of an atmospheric mercury passive sampler at a regional site in South Africa†","authors":"Xoliswa E. V. Job, Kerneels Jaars, Pieter G. van Zyl, Katrina MacSween, Liezl Bredenkamp, Miroslav Josipovic, Lynwill G. Martin, Ville Vakkari, Markku Kulmala and Lauri Laakso","doi":"10.1039/D4EA00071D","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EA00071D","url":null,"abstract":"<p >South Africa has been ranked among the top ten mercury (Hg) emitters globally, with emissions from coal-fired power plants being the most significant contributor. The expansion of atmospheric Hg measurement networks in southern Africa is vital within the global context but is constrained by high costs and logistics. Passive air samplers were developed to address these issues and expand atmospheric monitoring networks. A commercially available passive sampler widely used for atmospheric Hg monitoring is the Mercury Passive Air Sampler (<em>Mer</em>PAS®). Therefore, this study aimed to statistically evaluate the performance of these samplers in the unique South African environment by comparing Hg concentrations determined with <em>Mer</em>PAS® with active <em>in situ</em> atmospheric Hg measurements conducted in this region. Measurements were conducted from June 2021 to September 2022 at the Welgegund atmospheric monitoring station, considered one of Africa's most comprehensively equipped atmospheric measurement sites. Hg concentrations measured with <em>Mer</em>PAS® were derived for different sampling rates (SR), <em>i.e.</em> the original SR (OSR) provided by the supplier and an adjusted original SR (AOSR) derived using the OSR with adjustments for mean temperature and wind speed. Statistical analyses, including Kruskal–Wallis, Mann–Whitney U, Bland–Altman, and Spearman correlation tests, were used to assess the performance of <em>Mer</em>PAS®. The OSR overestimated Hg concentrations by 16%, while the AOSR reduced this overestimation to 10%, improving alignment with active sampling data. The Mean Normalized Difference (MND) also decreased from 17.4% with OSR to 12.7% with AOSR, indicating greater accuracy. Spearman correlation analysis showed moderate agreement between passive and active sampling, with correlation coefficients of 0.39 for OSR and 0.58 for AOSR, supporting the improved comparability of AOSR. Seasonal patterns were consistent across both methods, with elevated Hg levels observed in winter due to atmospheric inversions and increased emissions. Despite a slight positive bias, the Bland–Altman analysis further confirmed good reliability between the AOSR and active measurements. This study demonstrates that <em>Mer</em>PAS®, when calibrated for local environmental conditions, provides an accurate, cost-effective alternative for Hg monitoring, offering a feasible solution for expanding networks in regions with limited resources. By enabling broader and more accessible atmospheric Hg data collection, <em>Mer</em>PAS® can support critical environmental policies, such as the Minamata Convention, and deepen scientific understanding of Hg dynamics in under-monitored areas like southern Africa. These findings lay the groundwork for enhancing global Hg monitoring, contributing essential insights into regional pollution and atmospheric processes across diverse environments.</p>","PeriodicalId":72942,"journal":{"name":"Environmental science: atmospheres","volume":" 2","pages":" 191-203"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-01-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/ea/d4ea00071d?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143396436","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessing conditions favoring the survival of African dust-borne microorganisms during long-range transport across the tropical Atlantic†","authors":"Ali Hossein Mardi, Miguel Ricardo A. Hilario, Regina Hanlon, Cristina González Martín, David Schmale, Armin Sorooshian and Hosein Foroutan","doi":"10.1039/D4EA00093E","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EA00093E","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Forward trajectories of trans-Atlantic dust plumes were studied over a 14 year period (N ∼500 000) with a focus on ambient meteorological conditions affecting the survivability of the microorganisms co-transported with dust. Major dust transport patterns that emerged from the ensemble of trajectories closely follow the established seasonal transport patterns of African dust over the tropical Atlantic Ocean: summer transport (June–August) reaching the southeastern US and the Caribbean at an average altitude of 1600 m and winter transport (December–February) reaching the Amazon basin at around 660 m. Summer trajectories take on average 270 hours to cross the Atlantic, while winter ones take 239 hours. A higher diversity is expected in microorganisms co-transported to the Amazon due to the higher diversity in contributing dust emission sources. Analysis of meteorological conditions along the trajectories indicate more favorable conditions for microorganism survival reaching the Amazon. During the winter and for Amazon trajectories, lower mean solar radiation flux of 294 W m<small>⁻²</small> and mean relative humidity levels at around 61% are observed as compared to averages of 370 W m<small>⁻²</small> solar radiation and 45% relative humidity for summer trajectories entering the Caribbean basin. Nevertheless, 14% of winter trajectories (4664 out of 32 352) reaching the Amazon basin face intense precipitation, potentially removing microorganisms, as compared to 8% of trajectories (2540 out of 31 826) entering the Caribbean basin during the summer. These findings have important implications for the survivability of microorganisms in trans-Atlantic dust plumes and their potential for major incursion events at receptor regions.</p>","PeriodicalId":72942,"journal":{"name":"Environmental science: atmospheres","volume":" 2","pages":" 220-241"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-12-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/ea/d4ea00093e?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143396438","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}