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Updated: Jul 2, 2026
07:47
Experimental Protocol to Investigate Particle Aerosolization of a Product Under Abrasion and Under Environmental Weathering
Published on: September 16, 2016
Observations of mercury-containing aerosols
D M Murphy1, P K Hudson, l D S Thomson
1Earth System Research Laboratory, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Boulder, Colorado 80305-3337, USA. daniel.m.murphy@noaa.gov
Environmental Science & Technology
|June 6, 2006
Summary
Most stratospheric mercury exists as particles, likely formed locally. This particulate mercury may evaporate upon entering warmer atmospheric layers, influencing mercury
Area of Science:
- Atmospheric Chemistry
- Environmental Science
- Geochemistry
Background:
- Mercury is a global pollutant with complex atmospheric cycling.
- Understanding mercury's phase (gas vs. particle) is crucial for predicting its fate and transport.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and form of mercury in the lower stratosphere.
- To determine the origin and potential implications of stratospheric mercury particles.
Main Methods:
- In situ analysis using laser ionization mass spectrometry.
- Electron microscopy of particles collected near the tropopause.
Main Results:
- A significant fraction of lower stratospheric aerosols contain mercury.
- Mercury is distributed onto small particles (<20 nm), suggesting local condensation.
- Particulate mercury was observed globally across latitudes and seasons.
- Stratospheric mercury particles may decompose or evaporate at lower altitudes.
Conclusions:
- Most mercury in the lower stratosphere is likely in particulate form.
- Particulate mercury above the tropopause is globally distributed and may impact mercury's atmospheric lifetime.
- Halogens like bromine and iodine may play a role in mercury's gas-to-particle conversion.
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