Atmospheric Chemistry Research Articles

Computational Study of the Formation of Atmospheric Aerosol Precursors Under Ambient Conditions: A Case Study of the Interaction Between Sea Salt, Water, and Sulfuric Acid Molecules

ABSTRACTCluster formation has significant implications in atmospheric science and environmental chemistry. These clusters are characterized by complex interactions between their constituents, which influence their structure, stability, and growth. Experimental investigations are difficult for the initial stages of prenucleation cluster formation, which leads to larger aerosols. To understand the formation of clusters, the interactions between sea salts (NaCl, KCl, and MgCl2), water, and sulfuric acid molecules have been investigated. Each step has been comprehensively examined and thermodynamic parameters have been computed using DLPNO‐CCSD(T)/CBS//M06‐2X/6‐311++G(3df,3pd) to find the stabilities of the molecular complexes. Among all complexes, the binding energies of cluster (SS)1(W)1(SA)3 are found to be the lowest due to the formation of HCl, hydrogen bonding, and weak van der Waal forces. Sea salts have shown a more favorable interaction with H2SO4 compared to H2O molecules. The addition of H2SO4 increases the reactivity of the cluster (SS)1(W)n, while the addition of H2O molecules reduces the reactivity of the cluster (SS)1(SA)n. However, further addition of H2SO4 or H2O to the existing cluster (SS)1(W)n(SA)n increases the free energy of formation. Furthermore, the influence of temperature was also investigated, suggesting that complex formation is slightly more favorable at lower temperatures than at higher temperatures. The negative values of thermodynamic parameters indicate, that these complexes are spontaneous and exothermic over the colder regions.

Atmospheric Chemistry of Chloroprene Initiated by OH Radicals: Combined Ab Initio/DFT Calculations and Kinetics Analysis.

Chloroprene (CP; CH2═C(Cl)-CH═CH2) is a significant toxic airborne pollutant, often originating from anthropogenic activities. However, the environmental fate of CP is incompletely understood. High level CCSD(T)/aug-cc-pVTZ//M06-2X/aug-cc-pVTZ calculations combined with kinetic modeling were employed here to glean new insight into the reaction mechanism, energies, and kinetics of the reaction of CP with OH radical (•OH). We report the energies of four different addition pathways and six different abstraction pathways. The •OH attack on the terminal C1 atom of the =CH2 group (which is directly attached to the =CCl moiety), leading to the formation of HOCH2-•C(Cl)-CH═CH2, was found to be a major path. The barrier height for the formation of the corresponding transition state was found to be -1.9 kcal mol-1 below that of the starting CP + •OH reactants. Rate coefficients were calculated for addition and abstraction pathways involving the CP + •OH reaction under pre-equilibrium approximation conditions, employing a combination of canonical variational transition state theory and small curvature tunneling. The overall rate coefficient for the reaction of CP + •OH at 298 K was found to be 1.4 × 10-10 cm3 molecule-1 s-1. The thermochemistry of the possible channels and atmospheric implications are provided. In addition, the fate of HOCH2-•C(Cl)-CH═CH2 in the presence of 3O2 was investigated. We found the reaction of the CP-derived peroxy radical adduct with HO2 and NO to make contributions to the formation of products such as formaldehyde, HO2 radical, Cl atom, HOCH2C(OOH)(Cl)CH═CH2, HOCH2C(O)Cl, ClC(O)CH═CH2, HOCH2C(O)CH═CH2, and HC(O) radical.

Evaluation of a reduced-pressure chemical ion reactor utilizing adduct ionization for the detection of gaseous organic and inorganic species

Abstract. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and volatile inorganic compounds (VICs) provide critical information across many scientific fields including atmospheric chemistry and soil and biological processes. Chemical ionization (CI) mass spectrometry has become a powerful tool for tracking these chemically complex and temporally variable compounds in a variety of laboratory and field environments. It is particularly powerful with time-of-flight mass spectrometers, which can measure hundreds of compounds in a fraction of a second and have enabled entirely new branches of VOC and/or VIC research in atmospheric and biological chemistry. To accurately describe each step of these chemical, physical, and biological processes, measurements across the entire range of gaseous products is crucial. Recently, chemically comprehensive gas-phase measurements have been performed using many CI mass spectrometers deployed in parallel, each utilizing a different ionization method to cover a broad range of compounds. Here we introduce the recently developed Vocus AIM (adduct ionization mechanism) ion–molecule reactor (IMR), which samples trace vapors in air and ionizes them via chemical ionization at medium pressures. The Vocus AIM supports the use of many different reagent ions of positive and negative polarity and is largely independent of changes in the sample humidity. Within the present study, we present the performance and explore the capabilities of the Vocus AIM using various chemical ionization schemes, including chloride (Cl−), bromide (Br−), iodide (I−), nitrate (NO3-), benzene cations (C6H6+), acetone dimers ((C3H6O)2H+), and ammonium (NH4+) reagent ions, primarily in laboratory and flow tube experiments. We report the technical characteristics and operational principles, and compare its performance in terms of time response, humidity dependence, and sensitivity to that of previous chemical ionization approaches. This work demonstrates the benefits of the Vocus AIM reactor, which provides a versatile platform to characterize VOCs and VICs in real time at trace concentrations.

Atmospheric chemistry of (Z)‐CF2HCF=CHCl: Kinetics and products of reaction with Cl atoms and OH radicals

AbstractLong path length FTIR‐smog chamber techniques were used to study the title reactions in 650 Torr of N2, oxygen, or air diluent at 296 ± 3 K. Values of k(Cl + (Z)‐CF2HCF = CHCl)═(6.6 ± 0.7) × 10−11 and k(OH + (Z)‐CF2HCF═CHCl)═(4.1 ± 0.7) × 10−12 cm3 molecule−1 s−1 were measured. The IR spectrum of (Z)‐CF2HCF═CHCl is reported. The atmospheric lifetime of (Z)‐CF2HCF═CHCl is determined by the reaction with OH and is approximately 2.8 days. Reaction of (Z)‐CF2HCF═CHCl with Cl atoms gives HC(O)Cl and CF2HC(O)F as major primary products. Under environmental conditions, the OH radical initiated oxidation gives CF2HC(O)F and HC(O)Cl in yields of (98 ± 8)% and (100 ± 4)%, respectively. Accounting for non‐uniform horizontal and vertical mixing leads to a 100‐year time‐horizon global warming potential value for (Z)‐CF2HCF═CHCl of essentially zero.

Haplotype-resolved and near-T2T genome assembly of the African catfish (Clarias gariepinus)

Airbreathing catfish are stenohaline freshwater fish capable of withstanding various environmental conditions and farming practices, including breathing atmospheric oxygen. This unique ability has enabled them to thrive in semi-terrestrial habitats. However, the genomic mechanisms underlying their adaptation to adverse ecological environments remain largely unexplored, primarily due to the limited availability of high-quality genomic resources. Here, we present a haplotype-resolved and near telomere-to-telomere (T2T) genome assembly of the African catfish (Clarias gariepinus), utilizing Oxford Nanopore, PacBio HiFi, Illumina and Hi-C sequencing technologies. The primary assembly spans 969.62 Mb with only 47 contigs, achieving a contig N50 of 33.71 Mb. Terminal telomeric signals were detected in 22 of 47 contigs, suggesting T2T assembled chromosomes. BUSCO analysis confirmed gene space completeness of 99% against the Actinopterygii dataset, highlighting the high quality of the assembly. Genome annotation identified 25,655 protein-coding genes and estimated 43.94% genome-wide repetitive elements. This data provides valuable genomic resources to advance aquaculture practices and to explore the genomic underpinnings of the ecological resilience of airbreathing catfish and related teleosts.

Electrospun biomass carbon-based porous nanofibers modified by green-dry cold plasma for gaseous formaldehyde adsorption

Biomass carbon-based porous nanofibers (BCNFs) derived from cellulose and chitosan were fabricated by combining electrospinning, carbonization, with cold plasma technologies for highly efficient adsorption of gaseous formaldehyde (HCHO). The effects of different carbonization temperatures and plasma atmospheres on the micro-morphology, porosity, surface hydrophilicity, graphitization degree, element contents, and chemical functional groups of BCNFs were investigated. The adsorption performance and the interaction between HCHO and of BCNFs were elucidated by theoretical calculation. The carbonized nanofibers at 800°C exhibited the highest specific surface area (584.974 m2 g−1). The surface wettability of BCNFs after plasma modification significantly changed from hydrophobicity to hydrophilicity corresponding to the static water contact angle varying from 117.07° to 0°. The optimal adsorption capacity of HCHO reached to 118.67 mg g−1 corresponding to the BCNFs modified in oxygen atmosphere at 500 W for 2 min, which was 70.23 % higher compared to the control. The maximum theoretical adsorption capacity can be achieved to 202.37 mg g−1 fitted by Freundlich model. The enhanced adsorption behavior of HCHO molecules by BCNFs with incorporating various oxygen (O) and nitrogen (N) containing functional groups by cold plasma was superior within the basal plane than at the edge. The adsorption energies of HCHO by the different types of O, N-containing functional groups were ranked as: carboxyl (-12.45 kcal mol−1) > hydroxyl (-12.27 kcal mol−1) > pyrrole (-10.25 kcal mol−1) > pyridine (-5.24 kcal mol−1). The enhanced adsorption mechanism was attributed to a strong combination of electrostatic interactions and van der Waals forces induced by various functional groups.

Biogenic volatile organic compounds emissions, atmospheric chemistry, and environmental implications: a review

Biogenic volatile organic compounds emissions, atmospheric chemistry, and environmental implications: a review

Global 3D rocket launch and re-entry air pollutant and CO2 emissions at the onset of the megaconstellation era

Satellite megaconstellation (SMC) missions are spurring rapid growth in rocket launches and anthropogenic re-entries. These events inject pollutants and carbon dioxide (CO2) in all atmospheric layers, affecting climate and stratospheric ozone. Quantification of these and other environmental impacts requires reliable inventories of emissions. We present a global, hourly, 3D, multi-year inventory of air pollutant emissions and CO2 from rocket launches and object re-entries spanning the inception and growth of SMCs (2020–2022). We use multiple reliable sources to compile information needed to build the inventory and conduct rigorous and innovative cross-checks and validations against launch livestreams and past studies. Our inventory accounts for rocket plume afterburning effects, applies object-specific ablation profiles to re-entering objects, and quantifies unablated mass of objects returning to Earth. We also identify all launches and objects associated with SMC missions, accounting for 37–41% of emissions of black carbon particles, carbon monoxide, and CO2 by 2022. The data are provided in formats for ease-of-use in atmospheric chemistry and climate models to inform regulation and space sustainability policies.

In(OTf)3-catalyzed one-pot synthesis of α-amido arylketazines

The one-pot synthesis of diversified α-amido arylketazines was developed under the oxygen atmosphere conditions. In(OTf)3-catalyzed benzylic oxidation of various α-arylacetamides followed by hydrazine (N2H4·2HCl)-mediated double condensation of the resulting α-ketoamides through the formation of two carbon-nitrogen double (CN) bonds. A plausible mechanism is proposed and well-discussed.

Evolution of Thylakoid Structural Diversity.

Oxygenic photosynthesis evolved billions of years ago, becoming Earth's main source of biologically available carbon and atmospheric oxygen. Since then, phototrophic organisms have diversified from prokaryotic cyanobacteria into several distinct clades of eukaryotic algae and plants through endosymbiosis events. This diversity can be seen in the thylakoid membranes, complex networks of lipids, proteins, and pigments that perform the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis. In this review, we highlight the structural diversity of thylakoids, following the evolutionary history of phototrophic species. We begin with a molecular inventory of different thylakoid components and then illustrate how these building blocks are integrated to form membrane networks with diverse architectures. We conclude with an outlook on understanding how thylakoids remodel their architecture and molecular organization during dynamic processes such as biogenesis, repair, and environmental adaptation.

Modulating effects of temperature on CO2-inhibited isoprene emissions in Eucalyptus urophylla

Terrestrial vegetation emits substantial amounts of highly reactive isoprene, significantly impacting atmospheric chemistry and climate change. Both atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration and temperature can influence plant isoprene emissions; however, whether these factors have a synergistic effect remains unclear, particularly for tropical/subtropical plants. In this study, we conducted in-situ controlled experiments on Eucalyptus urophylla, a representative tropical/subtropical species, to investigate the seasonal variation in the response of isoprene emissions to CO2 concentrations (ISOP-CO2 response) and to identify potential controlling factors. The results showed that high CO2 exerts a nearly linear inhibitory effect on isoprene emissions, as indicated by the slope of the ISOP-CO2 response curve. This inhibitory effect exhibited evident seasonal changes, with stronger suppression during cooler seasons and weaker suppression during warmer seasons. This finding contrasts with the default ISOP-CO2 response in the MEGAN model, which ignored seasonal variation. Further analysis showed a significant correlation between the slope of the ISOP-CO2 response curve and growth temperature from the past 10 days, indicating that these metrics are effective indicators for predicting seasonal changes. Our findings reveal a synergistic mechanism between temperature and CO2 concentration effects on isoprene emissions. By coupling the effects of growth temperature with the ISOP-CO2 response, this mechanism can be integrated into models to provide more accurate predictions of future isoprene emissions, reducing prediction biases, especially during cooler seasons.

Self-healing of cracks in cement-based materials through bio-mineralization of low air-dependency microorganisms

Microbial self-healing technology for concrete is attracting widespread attention due to its environmentally friendly, non-toxic, and sustainable attributes. Currently, microbial agents utilized in concrete exhibit a high dependence on atmospheric conditions, relying on atmospheric oxygen to activate or capture carbon dioxide from the air for the generation of carbonate ions. This paper introduces an innovative low-dependency microbial restorative aimed at augmenting the self-healing capability of concrete by nearly doubling the available carbonate ions and providing 80 % of them internally, especially targeting deep cracks. A pioneering approach was employed by combining microorganisms that rapidly produce carbon dioxide with those that expedite carbon dioxide hydration. Microbial functional components were meticulously pelletized to create core-shell structure restorative particles, featuring an outer protective layer constructed with low-alkali cement. This study investigates the mechanism through simulation and experimentation, including substrate conversion, carbon dioxide transformation, and the generation and accumulation of carbonate ions and calcium ions. Essentially, this research not only presents a path towards reduced atmospheric dependence but also provides valuable insights for comprehending the mechanism behind microbial self-healing concrete.

Decline of soil volatile organic compounds from a Mediterranean deciduous forest under a future drier climate

Biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) are crucial for ecosystem functioning, atmospheric chemistry and climate. While modulation of BVOC emissions from living vegetation with biotic and abiotic factors is well documented, how these factors drive soil BVOC emissions remain less understood, particularly in Mediterranean forests. To fill this gap, this pioneer study investigates whether BVOC fluxes from natural soil covered by litter (referred to as forest soil) vary under natural and amplified long-term water stress (35% annual rain exclusion over the past 10 years) in a deciduous oak Mediterranean forest (Quercus pubescens Willd.) compared to natural climate conditions. This aim has only been tackled in a single evergreen Mediterranean forest so far. Using proton transfer reaction time of flight mass spectrometer (PTR-ToF-MS) we also provide, for the first time, a detailed diurnal cycle of soil BVOCs in relation to air temperature, air humidity, and biotic factors including soil respiration and litter content in lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose. The main results revealed that forest soil represents a source of most BVOCs (e.g., acetaldehyde, acetone, acrolein, hexanol, monoterpenes) with maximum values at mid-day (45 μgC.m-2.h-1) in response to higher temperatures while it acts as a clear sink of isoprene. Total soil BVOC emission rates, together with soil respiration, decreased by 43% after a decade of partial rain restriction. These results will contribute to enhance further modeling of soil BVOC emissions under various climate scenarios both at regional and global scales.

JWST/NIRCam 4–5 μm Imaging of the Giant Planet AF Lep b

With a dynamical mass of 3 M Jup, the recently discovered giant planet AF Lep b is the lowest-mass imaged planet with a direct mass measurement. Its youth and spectral type near the L/T transition make it a promising target to study the impact of clouds and atmospheric chemistry at low surface gravities. In this work, we present JWST/NIRCam imaging of AF Lep b. Across two epochs, we detect AF Lep b in F444W (4.4 μm) with signal-to-noise ratios of 9.6 and 8.7, respectively. At the planet’s separation of 320 mas during the observations, the coronagraphic throughput is ≈7%, demonstrating that NIRCam’s excellent sensitivity persists down to small separations. The F444W photometry of AF Lep b affirms the presence of disequilibrium carbon chemistry and enhanced atmospheric metallicity. These observations also place deep limits on wider-separation planets in the system, ruling out 1.1 M Jup planets beyond 15.6 au (0.″58), 1.1 M Sat planets beyond 27 au (1″), and 2.8 M Nep planets beyond 67 au (2.″5). We also present new Keck/NIRC2 L′ imaging of AF Lep b; combining this with the two epochs of F444W photometry and previous Keck L′ photometry provides limits on the long-term 3–5 μm variability of AF Lep b on timescales of months to years. AF Lep b is the closest-separation planet imaged with JWST to date, demonstrating that planets can be recovered well inside the nominal (50% throughput) NIRCam coronagraph inner working angle.

How Landmass Distribution Influences the Atmospheric Dynamics of Tidally Locked Terrestrial Exoplanets

Interpretation of the ongoing efforts to simulate the atmospheres of potentially habitable terrestrial exoplanets requires that we understand the underlying dynamics and chemistry of such objects to a much greater degree than 1D or even simple 3D models enable. Here, for the tidally locked habitable-zone planet TRAPPIST-1e, we explore one effect which can shape the dynamics and chemistry of terrestrial planets: the inclusion of an Earth-like land–ocean distribution with orography. To do this we use the Earth-system model WACCM6/CESM2 to run a pair of TRAPPIST-1e models with N2–O2 atmospheres and with the substellar point fixed over either land or ocean. The presence of orography shapes atmospheric transport, and in the case of Earth-like orography, breaks the symmetry between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres which was previously found in slab ocean models. For example, peak zonal jet speeds in the Southern Hemisphere are 50%–100% faster than similar jets in the Northern Hemisphere. This also affects the meridional circulation, transporting equatorial material toward the south pole. As a result we also find significant changes in the atmospheric chemistry, including the accumulation of potentially lethal quantities of ozone at both the south pole and the surface. Future studies which investigate the effects of landmass distribution on the dynamics of exoplanetary atmospheres should pay close attention to both the dayside land fraction as well as the orography of the land. Simply modeling a flat landmass will not give a complete picture of its dynamical impact.

Study on the reactions of n-pentanal and n-hexanal with Br atoms: Kinetics, gas-phase products, and SOA formation

Aldehydes are one of the most important oxygenated volatile organic compounds in the atmosphere, contributing to atmospheric radicals such as HO2 and RO2, which play a pivotal role in atmospheric chemistry and the oxidative capacity of the atmosphere. The kinetics, gas-phase products, and SOA formation of pentanal and n-hexanal initiated by Br atoms were studied in this work. The reaction rate constants of n-pentanal and n-hexanal reacting with Br atoms were determined to be (1.77 ± 0.25) × 10−11 cm3 molecule−1 s−1 and (2.07 ± 0.29) × 10−11 cm3 molecule−1 s−1 at 298 K and 760 Torr, respectively. Key gas-phase products, including smaller aldehydes, carboxylic acids, and alcohols, are known to contribute to atmospheric reactivity and have potential implications for air quality by promoting the formation of secondary pollutants and influencing the oxidative capacity of the atmosphere. The SOA yields were (5.24 ± 0.10)% and (6.00 ± 1.20)% for n-pentanal and n-hexanal, respectively, higher than the SOA yields of the aldehydes reaction initiated by OH radicals. The higher SOA yields observed from Br atoms oxidation compared to OH radical oxidation highlight the necessity to re-evaluate the role of halogen chemistry in atmospheric processes, particularly in regions where halogen compounds are prevalent. This research enhances our understanding of the atmospheric fate of aldehydes and highlights the importance of considering halogen-driven oxidation pathways in atmospheric models.

Exploring the atomic-scale dynamics of Fe3O4(001) at catalytically relevant temperatures using FastSTM

Surfaces and interfaces of functional nanoscale materials are typically highly dynamic when employed at elevated temperatures. Both, lateral surface and vertical bulk exchange diffusion processes set in, which can be relevant for applications such as heterogeneous catalysis. Time-resolved scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) is being pushed to ever faster measurement modes to follow such dynamic phenomena in situ. Here, we present FastSTM movies monitoring a range of atomic-scale dynamics of a prototypical reducible oxide catalyst support, Fe3O4(001), at elevated temperatures. Antiphase domain boundaries between two domains of the reconstructed surface exhibit local mobility from around 350 K, while Fe-rich point defects, in a stable equilibrium with the bulk, appear to diffuse in a peculiar zigzag pattern above 500 K. Finally, exploiting the diffusivity of Fe interstitials, we follow the propagation of step edges in the topmost atomic layer of the Fe3O4(001) surface in an oxygen atmosphere.

Development of surface-activated La0.6Ca0.4MnO3 perovskite-type electrodes using oxygen plasma for highly stable supercapacitor application

This study introduces a novel and efficient approach for synthesizing perovskite-type nanoparticles and advanced plasma surface activation to significantly improve the supercapacitor's performance. High-purity La0.6Ca0.4MnO3 (LCMO) perovskite nanoparticles with a crystalline structure were synthesized using a facile coprecipitation technique, followed by an innovative low-pressure DC glow-discharge plasma treatment in an oxygen atmosphere. This plasma surface activation process enhances the surface properties of the nanoparticles and boosts their electrochemical performance, representing a transformative modification method for energy storage materials. Detailed analysis of the synthesized and surface-activated LCMO (SA@LCMO) nanoparticles revealed a well-defined cubic morphology with a remarkable surface area of 95 m2/g, as confirmed by TEM and BET analysis. The plasma-treated SA@LCMO electrodes demonstrated superior supercapacitor performance, delivering an impressive specific capacitance of 453 F/g at a current density of 1 A/g more than doubling the 225.8 F/g achieved by untreated LCMO electrodes. Additionally, the SA@LCMO electrodes exhibited exceptional cycle stability, retaining 87 % of their capacitance and achieving a coulombic efficiency of 95.2 % after 10,000 GCD cycles. The material also showed promising energy storage capabilities, with a maximum energy density of 3.92 Wh/kg at a power density of 170.6 W/kg. These results highlight the transformative impact of plasma surface activation on perovskite nanomaterials, positioning the SA@LCMO as a highly promising candidate for next-generation energy storage technologies with superior energy density, durability, and performance. This study introduces new avenues for surface engineering perovskite-based materials to create scalable high-performance energy storage devices.

Validating the rhenium proxy for rock organic carbon oxidation using weathering profiles

Chemical weathering over geological timescales acts as a source or sink of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2), while influencing long-term redox cycling and atmospheric oxygen (O2) at Earth's surface. There is a growing recognition that the oxidative weathering of rock organic carbon (OCpetro) can release more CO2 than is locally drawn down by silicate weathering, and may vary due to changes in erosion and climate. The element rhenium (Re) has emerged as a proxy to track the oxidative weathering of OCpetro, yet uncertainties in its application remain namely that we lack a systematic assessment of the comparative mobility of Re and OCpetro during sedimentary rock weathering. Here we measure Re and OCpetro loss across gradients in rock weathering at 12 global sites, spanning a range of initial OCpetro values from ~0.2 % to >10 %. At nine sites we use titanium to account for volume changes during weathering and assess Re and OCpetro loss alongside major elements that reflect silicate (Na, Mg), carbonate (Ca, Mg) and sulfide (S) weathering. Across the dataset, Re loss is correlated with OCpetro loss but not with loss of any other major element. Across the weathering profiles, the average molar ratio of OCpetro to Re loss was 0.84 ± 0.15, with 8 out of 9 sites having a ratio >0.74. At one site (Marcellus Shale), the average ratio was lower at 0.58 ± 0.11. The excess loss of Re matches expectations that, typically, between ~0 and 20 % of the Re liberated by sedimentary rock weathering derives from silicate or sulfide phases, while some OCpetro may be physically or chemically protected from weathering. Overall, our measurements provide validation for the Re proxy of OCpetro oxidation and allow future work to further improve our knowledge of regional and global-scale rates of this important source of CO2 in the geochemical carbon cycle.

Timing and origin of the Lomagundi-Jatuli Event: Insights from U[sbnd]Pb geochronology, C-O-Fe isotopes and REE compositions from the Jingshan Group, North China Craton

The Lomagundi-Jatuli Event (LJE) represents perhaps the largest and longest positive carbon isotope excursion of Earth history. However, the synchroneity, scale, and linkage of the LJE to Earth's early history of atmospheric oxygenation remain controversial. Strata of the Paleoproterozoic Jingshan Group of the North China Craton that preserve the isotopic record of the LJE excursion in marble layers and abundant graphite deposits provide an opportunity to elucidate the significance of the LJE. Carbon isotopic values (δ13CV-PDB) of the LJE based on analysis of 20 samples of the Lugezhuang Formation, lower Jingshan Group, range from −0.8 to +9.6 ‰ and display positive co-variance with stable oxygen isotope values (δ18OV-PDB). The positive carbon isotope excursion is constrained to 2140.6 ± 8.5 Ma (MSWD = 0.82, n = 25) based on magmatic zircon UPb geochronology of biotite granulite. Variation of facies-dependent carbon isotope values, the presence of graphite deposits of the Douya Formation, upper Jingshan Group, and the absence of a Ce anomaly in PAAS normalized REE patterns of marble samples suggest that the positive carbon isotope excursion is not linked to a marked increase of organic carbon burial and associated significant atmosphere oxygenation. Elevated concentrations of iron and PAAS-normalized middle REE enrichment of analyzed Jingshan Group marble samples point to anoxic and ferruginous oceanic conditions during accumulation of Jingshan Group carbonate. A positive Eu anomaly (average = 1.58), low La (average = 0.23), (Nd/Yb)N (average = 1.27), and Y/Ho (average = 36.6) anomalies, and negative iron isotope values (average δ56Fe = −0.12 ‰) are consistent with accumulation of Paleoproterozoic Jingshan Group carbonate in a restricted marine setting that was affected by high temperature hydrothermal fluids. Enrichment of the studied samples in heavy carbon isotope suggests elevated bio-productivity in the restricted, redox stratified marine setting in which Jingshan Group carbonate accumulated. Thus, it is likely that the positive stable carbon isotope excursion associated with Jingshan Group strata as well as other contemporaneous isotope excursions are local signals that are linked to a global perturbation of the carbon cycle.