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The Cd isotope composition of atmospheric aerosols from the Tropical Atlantic Ocean
Author(s) -
Bridgestock Luke,
Rehkämper Mark,
Flierdt Tina,
Murphy Katy,
Khondoker Roulin,
Baker Alex R.,
Chance Rosie,
Strekopytov Stanislav,
HumphreysWilliams Emma,
Achterberg Eric P.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1002/2017gl072748
Subject(s) - stable isotope ratio , atmosphere (unit) , aerosol , isotope , environmental science , tropical atlantic , atmospheric sciences , environmental chemistry , oceanography , mineral dust , geology , sea surface temperature , chemistry , meteorology , geography , physics , quantum mechanics , organic chemistry
Stable isotope compositions can potentially be used to trace atmospheric Cd inputs to the surface ocean and anthropogenic Cd emissions to the atmosphere. Both of these applications may provide valuable insights into the effects of anthropogenic activities on the cycling of Cd in the environment. However, a lack of constraints for the Cd isotope compositions of atmospheric aerosols is currently hindering such studies. Here we present stable Cd isotope data for aerosols collected over the Tropical Atlantic Ocean. The samples feature variable proportions of mineral dust‐derived and anthropogenic Cd, yet exhibit similar isotope compositions, thus negating the distinction of these Cd sources by using isotopic signatures in this region. Isotopic variability between these two atmospheric Cd sources may be identified in other areas, and thus warrants further investigation. Regardless, these data provide important initial constraints on the isotope composition of atmospheric Cd inputs to the ocean.