Conference proceeding
Can corals form aerosol particles through volatile sulphur compound emissions?
Proceedings of the 12th International Coral Reef Symposium
Proceedings of the 12th International Coral Reef Symposium (Cairns, Qld., 9-13 July, 09/07/2012 - 13/07/2012)
06/2012
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Abstract
Acropora dominated coral reefs are a substantial source of atmospheric dimethylsulphide (DMSa), one of the most abundant reduced sulphur gases present in the marine boundary layer. DMS is believed to act as a climate regulator of solar radiation and sea surface temperatures through the formation of non-sea-salt sulphate aerosols and cloud condensation nuclei (CCN), although this regulation has not yet been demonstrated. A bubbling chamber experiment was conducted on coral reef seawater containing a branch of Acropora pulchra, to investigate whether the coral-generated DMS could be oxidised to non-seasalt sulphate aerosols under treatment with UV light and O3. Results indicated that A. pulchra produced significant amounts of dimethylsulphoniopropionate (DMSP) and dissolved DMS although emissions of DMSa in the chamber headspace were reduced by the presence of the coral, probably as a result of antioxidant activity in the coral tissue. Significant amounts of carbon disulphide (CS2) and ethanethiol (ESH), other sulphur gases that could be involved in CCN formation, were also indicated in the bubbling chamber, most likely from coral production. A decrease in DMSa and CS2 in the presence of UV light and O3 followed by an occurrence of freshly nucleated nanoparticles (<10nm) suggested that these two sulphur compounds were oxidised and potentially participated in aerosol particle formation and thus could be involved in CCN formation and possibly climate regulation. The study provided insights into the production of sulphur compounds by Acropora dominated coral reefs with potential impact on local climate.
Details
- Title
- Can corals form aerosol particles through volatile sulphur compound emissions?
- Creators
- Elisabeth Deschaseaux - Southern Cross UniversityGraham Jones - Southern Cross UniversityBranka Miljevic - Queensland University of TechnologyZoran Ristovski - Queensland University of TechnologyHilton B Swan - Southern Cross UniversityPetri Vaattovaara - University of Eastern Finland
- Publication Details
- Proceedings of the 12th International Coral Reef Symposium
- Conference
- Proceedings of the 12th International Coral Reef Symposium (Cairns, Qld., 9-13 July, 09/07/2012 - 13/07/2012)
- Publisher
- James Cook University; Townsville, Qld.
- Number of pages
- ICRS2012_4A_3
- Identifiers
- 2458; 991012821358802368
- Copyright
- © Authors of the papers in the Proceedings retain copyright over their work.
- Academic Unit
- School of Environment, Science and Engineering; Centre for Coastal Biogeochemistry; Faculty of Science and Engineering; Marine Ecology Research Centre
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Conference proceeding