Impact of atmospheric deposition of anthropogenic and natural trace metals on Northwestern Mediterranean surface waters: A box model assessment

Under stratified oligotrophic conditions (May–November), the surface mixed layer of the Northwestern Mediterranean constitutes a homogeneous water volume of 10–30 m depth. In other respects, the mean residence time of Ligurian surface waters (0–200 m) is 102 days. It is therefore possible to quantify the extent to which atmospheric deposition of trace metals affects surface waters. On the basis of literature data on anthropogenic and natural trace metals, we demonstrate that the ratios between total seawater labile atmospheric deposition during 102 days (Δc) and dissolved TM concentrations in Ligurian surface waters (c) illustrate the impact of atmospheric deposition on surface seawater (Δc/c). High ratios indicate surface TM enrichments, while low ratios indicate surface TM depletion, due to the quasi-complete sorption and removal of TMs by plankton during spring bloom. The simple box model proposed here may be used for other marine regions where hydrodynamical and physico-chemical constraints are well defined.

► Tool in further understanding of trace metal cycling in the Mediterranean Sea. ► Evaluation of the impact of atmospheric deposition of TMs on sea surface waters. ► To be applied to interpret the impact of changes in TM emissions. ► Useful for GEOTRACES, IMBER and SOLAS communities.