Copper Catalyzed Oceanic Methyl Halide Production

Berkeley Scientific: the journal of young scientists

article

Jae Yun Robin Kim¹  Robert Rhew¹ 

[1] University of California

关键词: San Francisco Bay;    ocean-atmosphere exchange;    photochemical reaction;    oxidation reaction;    metals;   

DOI  :  10.5070/BS3182022485

学科分类：社会科学、人文和艺术（综合）

来源: University of California, Berkeley

【 摘 要 】

Methyl halides are found in all of Earth’s biomes, produced naturally or through manmade means. Their presence in the atmosphere is problematic, as they catalyze depletion of stratospheric ozone. To understand the full environmental impact of these compounds, it is important to identify their chemical cycling processes. Iron increases methyl halide production in soils and oceans, yet copper’s influence remains unknown despite its similar chemical oxidation properties to iron. I experimentally tested the effect of copper sulfate and sunlight on methyl halide fluxes in San Francisco Bay seawater. Samples exposed to copper sulfate and sunlight averaged higher positive flux rates than other treatments. Copper sulfate also increased carbon dioxide production and acidification of the water. The interaction of copper sulfate and sunlight in seawater suggests a new mechanism for methyl halide production, most likely via a photochemical reaction or through suppression of normal uptake processes causing overabundant concentrations.

【 授权许可】

Unknown