Global biogeochemical cycle of vanadium

Schlesinger, WH; Klein, EM; Vengosh, A

HERO ID

4167324

Reference Type

Journal Article

Subtype

Review

Year

2017

Language

English

PMID

29229856

HERO ID 4167324
Material Type Review
In Press No
Year 2017
Title Global biogeochemical cycle of vanadium
Authors Schlesinger, WH; Klein, EM; Vengosh, A
Journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
Volume 114
Issue 52
Page Numbers E11092-E11100
Abstract Synthesizing published data, we provide a quantitative summary of the global biogeochemical cycle of vanadium (V), including both human-derived and natural fluxes. Through mining of V ores (130 × 109 g V/y) and extraction and combustion of fossil fuels (600 × 109 g V/y), humans are the predominant force in the geochemical cycle of V at Earth's surface. Human emissions of V to the atmosphere are now likely to exceed background emissions by as much as a factor of 1.7, and, presumably, we have altered the deposition of V from the atmosphere by a similar amount. Excessive V in air and water has potential, but poorly documented, consequences for human health. Much of the atmospheric flux probably derives from emissions from the combustion of fossil fuels, but the magnitude of this flux depends on the type of fuel, with relatively low emissions from coal and higher contributions from heavy crude oils, tar sands bitumen, and petroleum coke. Increasing interest in petroleum derived from unconventional deposits is likely to lead to greater emissions of V to the atmosphere in the near future. Our analysis further suggests that the flux of V in rivers has been incremented by about 15% from human activities. Overall, the budget of dissolved V in the oceans is remarkably well balanced-with about 40 × 109 g V/y to 50 × 109 g V/y inputs and outputs, and a mean residence time for dissolved V in seawater of about 130,000 y with respect to inputs from rivers.
Doi 10.1073/pnas.1715500114
Pmid 29229856
Wosid WOS:000418722400005
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English