Atmospheric sulphur: Trends, sources, sinks and environmental impacts

Abstract Sulphur-containing compounds are emitted naturally to the Earth's atmosphere from oceans, soils and plants, and as a result of weathering of continental crusts, eruptions from volcanoes and sea sprays. However, since the onset of the industrial revolution, human influences (e.g. the combustion of fossil fuels, industrial processes, biomass burning, agricultural activities, waste incineration and the use of explosives) have continuously added more sulphur to the atmosphere, thereby perturbing its natural cycle. Atmospheric sulphur compounds are major contributors to acidic deposition. They affect the Earth-troposphere radiation budget and thus the climate. Sulphur emissions reaching the stratosphere also endanger the ozone layer. In this review, available data concerning the atmospheric concentrations, sources, sinks and environmental impacts of sulphur compounds are discussed.