Atmospheric Wet Iron, Molybdenum, and Vanadium Deposition in Chinese Terrestrial Ecosystems

Abstract

Iron (Fe), molybdenum (Mo), and vanadium (V) are the main components of the three known biological nitrogenases, which constrain nitrogen fixation and affect ecosystem productivity. Atmospheric deposition is an important pathway of these trace metals into ecosystems. Here, we explored the deposition flux, spatiotemporal pattern, and influencing factors of atmospheric wet Fe, Mo, and V deposition based on China Wet Deposition Observation Network (ChinaWD) data from 2016 to 2020. Our results showed that atmospheric wet Fe, Mo, and V deposition was 7.77 ± 7.24, 0.16 ± 0.11, and 0.13 ± 0.12 mg m −2 a −1 in Chinese terrestrial ecosystems, respectively, and revealed obvious spatial patterns but no significant annual trends. Wet Fe deposition was significantly correlated with the soil Fe content. Mo and V deposition was more affected by anthropogenic activities than Fe deposition. Wet Mo deposition was significantly affected by Mo ore reserves and waste incineration. V deposition was significantly correlated with domestic biomass burning. This study quantified wet Fe, Mo, and V deposition in China for the first time, and the implications of atmospheric trace metal deposition on biological nitrogen fixation were discussed.

Vanadium in the Environment: Biogeochemistry and Bioremediation

“…In the atmosphere, V aerosols spread with the aid of atmospheric motion . Vanadium has become a useful tracer for transport of atmospheric pollutants from continental pollution sources . For example, a Swiss peat bog analysis indicated the growing influence of industrialization on atmospheric V inputs since 1936 .…”

“…25 Vanadium has become a useful tracer for transport of atmospheric pollutants from continental pollution sources. 94 For example, a Swiss peat bog analysis indicated the growing influence of industrialization on atmospheric V inputs since 1936. 95 At the Panzhihua site in China, V content in soil reached 577 mg/kg at 100 cm below the ground surface, 62 indicating the V vertical migration in soil.…”

Deciphering Vanadium Speciation in Smelting Ash and Adaptive Responses of Soil Microorganisms

“…Typically, V-bearing smelting ash deposits onto the soil through dry and wet deposition . Once settled in the soil, it may show potential impacts on the biological activity and ecosystem functions of the soil.…”

“…Typically, V-bearing smelting ash deposits onto the soil through dry and wet deposition. 12 Once settled in the soil, it may show potential impacts on the biological activity and ecosystem functions of the soil. Microorganisms, vital constituents of the soil ecosystem, play fundamental roles in driving intricate transformations of various substances in soil.…”