Vertical transport of anthropogenic lead by reversible scavenging in the South Atlantic Ocean

Stable lead (Pb) isotopes have been regarded as tracers of ocean circulation, both in the present time and geological past. Here we present a new dataset of seawater Pb concentrations and isotope compositions for ten depth profiles from the South Atlantic Ocean (GEOTRACES cruises GA02 and GA10). By...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Published in:Earth and Planetary Science Letters
Main Authors: Olivelli, Arianna, Paul, Maxence, Xu, Hui, Kreissig, Katharina, Coles, Barry J., Moore, Rebekah E.T., Bridgestock, Luke, Rijkenberg, Micha, Middag, Rob, Lohan, Maeve C., Weiss, Dominik J., Rehkämper, Mark, van de Flierdt, Tina
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: 2024
Subjects:
GEOTRACES
Lead isotopes
Pollution
Scavenging
Seawater
South Atlantic Ocean
Online Access:https://hdl.handle.net/11370/f53fcae6-242c-4b69-9e12-beb3a1b7e0c5
https://research.rug.nl/en/publications/f53fcae6-242c-4b69-9e12-beb3a1b7e0c5
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2024.118980
https://pure.rug.nl/ws/files/1248933542/1-s2.0-S0012821X24004126-main.pdf
http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85204205843&partnerID=8YFLogxK
Description
Summary:Stable lead (Pb) isotopes have been regarded as tracers of ocean circulation, both in the present time and geological past. Here we present a new dataset of seawater Pb concentrations and isotope compositions for ten depth profiles from the South Atlantic Ocean (GEOTRACES cruises GA02 and GA10). By comparing Pb isotope data collected on the two cruises, and by modelling the distribution of Pb with an extended optimum multiparameter analysis, we find evidence of vertical transport of anthropogenic Pb pollution due to reversible scavenging. Surface to depth transfer of polluted Pb is aided by high suspended particulate matter loads at the Brazil – Malvinas Confluence and along ∼40°S in the South Atlantic. Overall, our findings caution the use of Pb isotope ratios as ventilation tracers in the South Atlantic and emphasize the importance of particle-seawater interaction for biogeochemical cycles.

Similar Items