Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2023-500
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2023-500
14 Apr 2023
 | 14 Apr 2023

First Measurements of the Nitrogen Stable Isotope Composition (δ15N) of Ship-emitted NOx

Zeyu Sun, Zheng Zong, Yang Tan, Chongguo Tian, Zeyu Liu, Fan Zhang, Rong Sun, Yingjun Chen, Jun Li, and Gan Zhang

Abstract. The nitrogen stable isotope composition (δ15N) of nitrogen oxides (NOx) is a powerful indicator for source apportionment of atmospheric NOx; however, δ15N–NOx values emitted from ships have not been reported, affecting the accuracy of source partitioning of atmospheric NOx in coastal zones with a lot of ocean vessel activity. This study systemically analyzed the δ15N–NOx variability and main influencing factors of ship emissions. Results showed that δ15N–NOx values from ships ranged from −35.8 ‰ to 2.04 ‰ with a mean ± standard deviation of −18.5 ± 10.9 ‰. The δ15N–NOx values increased monotonically with the ongoing tightening of emission regulations, presenting a significantly negative logarithmic relationship with NOx concentrations (p < 0.01). The selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system was the most important factor affecting changes in δ15N–NOx values, compared with fuel types and operation states of ships. Based on the relationship between δ15N–NOx values and emission regulations observed in this investigation, the temporal variation in δ15N–NOx values from ship emissions in the international merchant fleet was evaluated by developing a mass-weighted model. These simulated δ15N–NOx values can be used to select suitable δ15N–NOx values for a more accurate assessment of the contribution of ship-emitted exhaust to atmospheric NOx.

Journal article(s) based on this preprint

13 Oct 2023
Characterization of the nitrogen stable isotope composition (δ15N) of ship-emitted NOx
Zeyu Sun, Zheng Zong, Yang Tan, Chongguo Tian, Zeyu Liu, Fan Zhang, Rong Sun, Yingjun Chen, Jun Li, and Gan Zhang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 12851–12865, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-12851-2023,https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-12851-2023, 2023
Short summary

Zeyu Sun et al.

Interactive discussion

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2023-500', Anonymous Referee #1, 09 May 2023
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2023-500', Anonymous Referee #2, 29 Jun 2023
  • RC3: 'Comment on egusphere-2023-500', Anonymous Referee #3, 04 Jul 2023
  • AC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2023-500', Chongguo Tian, 16 Aug 2023

Interactive discussion

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2023-500', Anonymous Referee #1, 09 May 2023
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2023-500', Anonymous Referee #2, 29 Jun 2023
  • RC3: 'Comment on egusphere-2023-500', Anonymous Referee #3, 04 Jul 2023
  • AC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2023-500', Chongguo Tian, 16 Aug 2023

Peer review completion

AR: Author's response | RR: Referee report | ED: Editor decision | EF: Editorial file upload
AR by Chongguo Tian on behalf of the Authors (16 Aug 2023)  Author's response   Author's tracked changes   Manuscript 
ED: Publish as is (24 Aug 2023) by Katye Altieri
AR by Chongguo Tian on behalf of the Authors (28 Aug 2023)  Author's response   Manuscript 

Journal article(s) based on this preprint

13 Oct 2023
Characterization of the nitrogen stable isotope composition (δ15N) of ship-emitted NOx
Zeyu Sun, Zheng Zong, Yang Tan, Chongguo Tian, Zeyu Liu, Fan Zhang, Rong Sun, Yingjun Chen, Jun Li, and Gan Zhang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 23, 12851–12865, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-12851-2023,https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-23-12851-2023, 2023
Short summary

Zeyu Sun et al.

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The requested preprint has a corresponding peer-reviewed final revised paper. You are encouraged to refer to the final revised version.

Short summary
This is the first report of ship-emitted nitrogen stable isotope composition (δ15N) of nitrogen oxides (NOx). Results showed that δ15N–NOx from ships was −18.5 ± 10.9 ‰ and increased monotonically with tightening emission regulations. The selective catalytic reduction system was the most vital factor. The temporal variation in δ15N–NOx was evaluated and can be used to select suitable δ15N–NOx for a more accurate assessment of the contribution of ship-emitted exhaust to atmospheric NOx.