Perchlorate (ClO4-) in the environment is of significant interest because of potential threat to human health. Recent research suggests that perchlorate is naturally formed in the atmosphere, constituting a significantly large portion of perchlorate in the current environment. However, the environmental factors that influence atmospheric production remain uncertain. Preliminary data from ice cores suggest large volcanic eruptions influence perchlorate production. However, the largest volcanic eruptions (Tambora, 1809 event, and Kuwae) over the last millennia and their respective perchlorate responses have not been examined. Volcanic-sulfate and perchlorate were measured in samples taken from a South Pole ice core. Perchlorate concentrations increased three-fold during volcanic events from the non-volcanic background. These data suggest that perchlorate is formed in the stratosphere and that ultra-plinian eruptions promote perchlorate production.

Examination of atmospheric perchlorate response during large volcanic eruptions using an Antarctic ice core

255th National Meeting (2018)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.