Paul, D; Singh, G K; Gupta, T; Chatterjee, A; Saikia, B K; Sunder Raman, R; Habib, G; Phuleria, H; Venkataraman, C (2025) Assessment of stable carbon isotope ratios and source characterization of aerosols in ambient PM2.5 from the Indian COALESCE network. Scientific Reports, 15. 19503 ISSN 2045-2322

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Abstract

This study explores the potential of stable carbon isotope (ẟ13C) composition of ambient carbonaceous aerosols in assessing the nature and apportionment of their sources. As part of the CarbOnaceous AerosoL Emissions, Source apportionment & ClimatE Impacts (COALESCE) network, ẟ13C measurements (n = 1120) were conducted on aerosol samples collected from eight key locations spread across India. The ẟ13C values of aerosols exhibit distinct spatial/temporal isotopic variabilities between background and polluted sites, and indicate an origin primarily from C3-biomass, fossil fuels, vehicular emission sources, etc. Spatial ẟ13C distribution over India shows more negative ẟ13C values in all seasons at the north Indian Himalayan (Kashmir) and east Indian sites (Jorhat) compared to other locations, implying that anthropogenic inputs contribute to more isotopic variability and a typical 13C-rich signature. Our study shows that although ẟ13C provides qualitative information on source characteristics, it is not a robust standalone proxy for such applications. We conclude that ẟ13C of aerosols could be a robust proxy for quantification studies if the extent of isotopic fractionation involved during aerosol formation/transport processes is well known and if it is assessed with one or more chemical markers like radiocarbon (D14C), trace elements/organic species, and specific biomarkers.

Item Type:	Article
Keywords:	Stable isotope, Carbonaceous aerosols, Source signature, Fractionation, Aerosol proxy
Subjects:	Environmental Measurement > Air Quality and Airborne Particulates
Divisions:	Atmospheric Environmental Sciences
Identification number/DOI:	10.1038/s41598-025-03987-5
Last Modified:	18 Mar 2026 15:40
URI:	https://eprintspublications.npl.co.uk/id/eprint/10330