δ34S values from potential sources in PM2.5 were determined for the first time in Nanjing.
Sulfur in PM2.5 included the primary sulfate from coal combustion and vehicle exhaust as well as the secondary sulfate from SO2 oxidation.
The oxidation pathways of SO2 to sulfate in PM2.5 were identified based on sulfur isotopic fractionation coefficients between SO2 and sulfate.