Phosphine migration at the water–air interface in Lake Taihu, China

The diurnal atmospheric phosphine (PH3) concentrations and fluxes at the water–air interface in Lake Taihu were reported. The results showed that the PH3 flux at the water–air interface ranged from −69.9 ± 29.7 to 121 ± 42 ng m−2 h−1, with a mean flux of 14.4 ± 22.5 ng m−2 h−1. The fluxes were both negative and positive during the diurnal period, indicating that the lake can act as a sink and a source of PH3. In addition, the PH3 fluxes were positively correlated with water temperature, total soluble phosphorus and soluble reactive phosphorus, while they were negatively correlated with water redox potential. A similar diurnal variation curve of atmospheric PH3 concentrations was observed during all four seasons, with the maximum level occurring in early morning and the minimum appearing around midday. These findings suggest that light plays an important role in the elimination of atmospheric PH3. A significant positive correlation was also found between air temperature and atmospheric PH3 concentration. The mean flux of PH3 in Lake Taihu was higher than in other reported wetlands, with an estimated annual emission of PH3 to the atmosphere of 2.94 × 105 g y−1.