Seasonal Variability in Marine Atmospheric Mercury Isotope Signatures and Environmental Drivers.

ABSTRACT: Atmospheric deposition is the dominant source of mercury (Hg) to the ocean, shaping its transport, transformation, and potential exposure to global populations. Mercury isotopes offer a powerful tool for evaluating these processes; however, the isotopic composition of atmospheric Hg over the ocean remains poorly understood. This study applies a three-dimensional isotopic model to investigate the mass-independent fractionation (MIF, represented by Δ¹⁹⁹Hg and Δ²⁰⁰Hg) signatures in atmospheric Hg within the marine boundary layer. The model reveals marked spatial and seasonal variations in Δ¹⁹⁹Hg and Δ²⁰⁰Hg of oxidized Hg species. These variations are driven by sea salt aerosol debromination, influenced by environmental factors such as solar radiatio

SUBMITTER: Song Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12810244 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature