Characterization of atmospheric bulk phosphorus deposition in China. (15th June 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ma, Xin; Jiao, Xiaonan; Sha, Zhipeng; Ding, Fei; Li, Yunzhe; Xu, Wen; Tang, Aohan; Xia, Xiaoping; Fangmeier, Andreas; Liu, Xuejun
• Is Part Of: Atmospheric environment. Volume 279(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-06-15
• Subjects: Bulk deposition -- P species in precipitation -- Source identification -- N:P ratio; Air -- Pollution -- Periodicals; Air -- Pollution -- Meteorological aspects -- Periodicals; 551.51
• DOI: 10.1016/j.atmosenv.2022.119127
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1352-2310

Abstract

Abstract: Atmospheric phosphorus (P) deposition is an important environmental nutrient which has significant implications for terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems due to regulating the ratio of nitrogen (N) and P. Here, P bulk deposition and its spatial and temporal variation characteristics were monitored in China from June 2019 to May 2021, and the concentrations and fluxes of different P species were further investigated. The annual mean concentrations in precipitation were 0.14 ± 0.02 mg L −1 for total P (TP), 0.06 ± 0.01 mg L −1 for dissolved inorganic P (DIP), 0.05 ± 0.007 mg L −1 for dissolved organic P (DOP), and 0.03 ± 0.003 mg L −1 for particulate P (PP). Annual bulk deposition fluxes of TP, DIP, DOP and PP were 1.08 ± 0.12, 0.46 ± 0.07, 0.36 ± 0.05, and 0.26 ± 0.03 kg ha −1 yr −1 on average, respectively. Atmospheric bulk P concentration showed a negative correlation with precipitation. PP, DIP and DOP contributed 24%, 43% and 33% of TP, respectively. DIP and DOP accounted for 56% and 44% of total dissolved P (TDP). According to analysis of PCA source identification, TP in the bulk deposition most likely originated from anthropogenic sources of combustion in China. The N:P ratios (by mass) in deposition (precipitation) were 32.1 ± 3.88 higher than the Redfield ratio (16.0), which may lead to P-limitation and eutrophication of the water body, and may affect the structure, diversity, and function of ecosystems. Highlights: Atmospheric bulk P deposition was quantified in a monitoring network of China. High bulk P deposition occurred in the rainy season and the Southeast region. Dissolved inorganic P contributed more to bulk P deposition than other P species. P in bulk deposition most likely originated from anthropogenic sources of combustion.