P-NEXFS investigation of the influence of aerosol phosphorus on the Mediterranean Sea

初级营养物质，如氮和磷，对地球上的所有生命都至关重要，而海洋环境中的有限数量可能会抑制初级生产力。对于营养贫乏的海洋区域，例如磷有限的地中海，大气气溶胶是这些营养物质的重要来源。气溶胶中磷的有效性传统上与存在的不同磷相的组成和丰度有关。不幸的是，直到最近，由于方法学的限制，研究气溶胶中的磷成分一直是具有挑战性的。在这项研究中，佐治亚理工学院的研究人员将使用一种名为同步加速器P近边X射线荧光光谱的新技术，结合X射线荧光显微镜，检查输送到地中海的气溶胶磷相的多样性。通过确定空气质量来源区域、气溶胶成分和生物有效性之间的关系，这项工作的结果将改善目前对地中海生产力调节因素的了解，并有助于澄清该区域对不同气候变化情景的潜在反应。更广泛的影响：除了该项目将对地中海生产力和营养循环的控制提供有价值的见解外，这项研究还将进一步教育年轻科学家，扩大未被充分代表的群体对海洋科学的参与，并加强研究基础设施。

Primary nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, are critical for all life on earth, and limited quantities in the marine environment can inhibit primary productivity. Atmospheric aerosols are a significant source of these nutrients to nutrient-poor ocean regions, such as the phosphorus-limited Mediterranean Sea. The availability of phosphorus in aerosols has traditionally been linked to the composition and abundance of different phosphorus phases present. Unfortunately, investigating phosphorus composition in aerosols has been challenging due to methodological limitations until recently. In this study, researchers from Georgia Tech will use a new technique known as synchrotron-based P Near Edge X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy, in conjunction with X-ray fluorescence microscopy, to examine the diversity of aerosol phosphorus phases delivered to the Mediterranean Sea. By defining the relationship between air mass source region, aerosol composition, and bioavailability, results from this work will improve current knowledge of the factors regulating productivity in the Mediterranean Sea and help to clarify the potential response of this region to different climate change scenarios. Broader Impacts: In addition to the valuable insights this project will provide on the controls on productivity and nutrient cycling in the Mediterranean Sea, this study will further education of young scientists, broaden participation of under-represented groups in ocean science, and enhance research infrastructure.