Stable isotope analysis was used to determine the fractionation of organic carbon through natural transfer processes between sea water and sea spray aerosols (SSA). A Marine Aerosol Reference Tank (MART), which emulates how waves break, was used to replicate the formation SSA; in a controlled way that allows for pure SSA collection. Organic carbon samples were collected in the bulk sea water and SSA at regular intervals. Using isotope ratio mass spectrometry the carbon isotopic composition (δ13 C) between SSA and oceanic carbon was determined. The δ13 C of oceanic carbon and SSA are currently assumed to be equal. However, this does not take into account the preferential transfer of certain organic compounds into SSA. Determining the isotopic fractionation for the transfer of organic carbon from the sea water into SSA is necessary for determination of the source of organic carbon in marine aerosols and elucidating the formation process of aerosols.

Fractionation of organic carbon through natural transfer processes between sea water and sea spray aerosols

251st National Meeting (2016)

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