Occurrence, latitudinal gradient and potential sources of perchlorate in the atmosphere across the hemispheres (31°N to 80°S).

Abstract

Perchlorate (ClO4-) is harmful to human health, and knowledge on the levels and sources of natural ClO4- in different environments remains rather limited. Here, we investigate ClO4- in aerosol samples collected along a cross-hemisphere ship cruise between China and Antarctica and on a traverse between coastal East Antarctica and the ice sheet summit (Dome Argus). Perchlorate concentrations range from a few to a few hundred pg m-3. A clear latitudinal trend is found, with elevated ClO4- concentrations near populated areas and in the southern mid-high latitudes. Spatial patterns of atmospheric ClO4- over oceans near the landmasses support that terrestrial ClO4- is not transported efficiently over long distances. In the southern mid-latitudes, higher ClO4- concentrations in March than in November-December may be caused by significant stratospheric inputs in March. Perchlorate concentrations appear to be higher in the warm half than in the cold half of the year in the southern high latitudes, suggesting seasonal difference in main atmospheric sources. ClO4- may be formed in the reactions between chlorine free radical (Cl·) and ozone (O3) in the stratosphere when Antarctic ozone hole occurs during September-October. And the stratosphere-produced ClO4- is moved to the boundary layer in several months and may be responsible for the high ClO4- concentrations in the warm half of the year. Perchlorate produced by photochemical reactions between O3 and Cl· in the Antarctic stratosphere is likely responsible for the higher ClO4- concentrations in Antarctica than in Arctic.