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，海洋环境中有限的数量会抑制初级生产力。大气气溶胶是向营养贫乏的海洋地区（如磷含量有限的地中海）提供这些营养物质的重要来源。传统上，气溶胶中磷的可用性与存在的不同磷相的组成和丰度有关。不幸的是，直到最近，由于方法的限制，研究气溶胶中的磷成分一直具有挑战性。在这项研究中，佐治亚理工学院的研究人员将使用一种新技术，即基于同步加速器的P近边缘x射线荧光光谱，结合x射线荧光显微镜，来检查输送到地中海的气溶胶磷相的多样性。通过定义气团来源区域、气溶胶组成和生物利用度之间的关系，这项工作的结果将提高目前对地中海生产力调节因素的认识，并有助于阐明该地区对不同气候变化情景的潜在响应。更广泛的影响：除了该项目将为控制地中海的生产力和营养循环提供有价值的见解外，该研究还将进一步教育年轻科学家，扩大代表性不足的群体在海洋科学领域的参与，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.