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A perspective on iron (Fe) in the atmosphere: air quality, climate, and the ocean

Journal Article · · Environmental Science: Processes & Impacts
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1039/d2em00176d· OSTI ID:2421939
 [1];  [2];  [3]
  1. Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON (Canada); OSTI
  2. Univ. of Texas at El Paso, TX (United States)
  3. North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC (United States)
As scientists engage in research motivated by climate change and the impacts of pollution on air, water, and human health, we increasingly recognize the need for the scientific community to improve communication and knowledge exchange across disciplines to address pressing and outstanding research questions holistically. Our professional paths have crossed because our research activities focus on the chemical reactivity of Fe-containing minerals in air and water, and at the air-sea interface. (Photo)chemical reactions driven by Fe can take place at the surface of the particles/droplets or within the condensed phase. The extent and rates of these reactions are influenced by water content and biogeochemical activity ubiquitous in these systems. One of these reactions is the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that cause damage to respiratory organs. Another is that the reactivity of Fe and organics in aerosol particles alter surficial physicochemical properties that impact aerosol-radiation and aerosol–cloud interactions. Also, upon deposition, aerosol particles influence ocean biogeochemical processes because micronutrients such as Fe or toxic elements such as copper become bioavailable. We provide a perspective on these topics and future research directions on the reactivity of Fe in atmospheric aerosol systems, from sources to short- and long-term impacts at the sinks with emphasis on needs to enhance the predictive power of atmospheric and ocean models.
Research Organization:
North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE; USDOE Office of Science (SC)
Grant/Contract Number:
SC0021491
OSTI ID:
2421939
Alternate ID(s):
OSTI ID: 1883399
Journal Information:
Environmental Science: Processes & Impacts, Journal Name: Environmental Science: Processes & Impacts Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 25; ISSN 2050-7887
Publisher:
Royal Society of ChemistryCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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