Biogenic sulfur molecules in marine air masses with implications for climate and health impacts of secondary aerosols

Recent discoveries of a new sulfur compound formed from dimethyl sulfide (DMS), a biogenically emitted gaseous compounds from marine ecosystems, has urged us to radically scrutinize role of reactive marine sulfur in the biogenic sulfur cycle.

Our hypothesis is that the occurrence of the newly discovered biogenic sulfur molecule will be affected by gas-to-particle partitioning and presence of anthropogenic trace gases regulating its impact on regional climate and health.The aim is to understand and quantify the effects by anthropogenic emissions on the formation of key-compounds of DMS oxidation by combining observations in coastal urban areas (new urban flux tower) and open sea (international expedition) with advanced mechanistic laboratory studies.

Based on our ability to detect and measure these new compounds, the insights will feed into chemical transport models, enabling integrated assessments of the importance of the conditions for atmospheric processing, health, and climate.The project team has a high profile within atmospheric chemistry and biosphere-atmosphere interactions, and has the necessary advanced tools, e.g., new generation of mass spectrometers enabling this discovery, to address this topic efficiently with high quality.

This is a contribution to the Swedish strategic research area, MERGE, ModElling the Regional and Global Earth System, that will support the project with key-assets for efficient dissemination to stakeholders (both scientific and societal).