Environmental Geochemistry 

using Isotopologue Analysis


Triple oxygen isotopes for atmospheric chemistry

  The mass-independent oxygen isotopic composition (O-MIF) - also known as Δ17O - is one powerful tool for studying atmospheric chemical reactions. By applying Δ17O to the study of sulfate and nitrate (and more!), we've been able to observe and quantify atmospheric formation processes in different regions and time periods. 

  This innovative approach has allowed us to identify key processes and fill in important gaps in our understanding of atmospheric chemistry. 

Refs: Hattori et al. 2021 Science Advances; Itahashi, Hattori et al., 2022 ES&T; Ishino, Hattori et al. 2021 JGR-A

Atmospheric Sulfur Cycle

  Atmospheric sulfate also has a major impact on the global radiation budget and cloud lifetimes. Despite its importance, our scientific understanding of the climatic and environmental impacts of sulfate aerosols remains low. There are multiple sources of sulfur in the atmosphere, including both human-made and natural sources, and there are many unknowns about the atmospheric chemical reaction processes that contribute to aerosol formation.

  That's where stable isotope composition comes in - it's an effective new tool for tracking the origin of sulfur and understanding the complex atmospheric chemical processes that contribute to sulfate aerosol formation. By studying stable isotopes, we can uncover new insights into the impacts of sulfate on our planet and develop strategies for reducing its negative effects.

Volcanic sulfate works: Gautier et al. 2019 Nature Comm.; Hattori et al., 2013 PNAS

Tropospheric sulfate works: Hattori et al. 2021 Science Advances; Itahashi, Hattori et al., 2022 ES&T

Carbonyl sulfide (COS or OCS) works [Ref: Hattori et al. 2020 PNAS]

Biogeochemical cycling

Microbial N cycle inside glacier (englacial) [Hattori et al. 2023 ES&T]

N in terrestrial/cryospheric environments [Ref: Hattori et al. 2019 Science of the Total Environment]

Modeling works (e.g., Global chemical transport model GEOS-Chem)

In preparation, but you can find our previous works using GEOS-Chem and CMAQ.

Refs: Hattori et al. 2021 Science Advances; Itahashi&Hattori et al., 2022 ES&T; Wang, Hattori et al. 2021 ACP

Development of new isotopologues analysis

My research isn't just about discovering new things - it's also about creating new tools and methods to help us explore the world around us. Whether it's developing new analytical systems or investigating innovative isotope tracers like MIF, SP, and Clumped, I'm always looking for ways to push the boundaries of what we know about our planet.

Examples: Hattori et al. 2015 Anal. Chem; Hattori et al. 2016 RCM

  As you can see, it's still under construction - but that doesn't mean you can't get a glimpse of the exciting research I'm working on. Take a look at the images below and see if you can catch a glimpse of what I'm exploring.

Keywords: Mass-independent fractionatino (MIF); Position-specific isotope distribution; Doubly substituted isotopologues (Clumped); Kinetic isotope effect; Aerosols (sulfate, nitrate, ammonium); Oxidants (O3, OH, H2O2); Carbonyl sulfide (COS or OCS); Ice Core; Glacier; Photochemistry; Microbial ecosystem; Atmospheric acidity

Fields: Atmosphere (troposphere and stratosphere), Biosphere, Cryosphere

Ice core/Glacier field/Laboratory/Instruments etc.