Metal

Sediment

Phytoplankton

Ecology

Biology

Abiotic component

Deposition (geology)

Earth science

Geology

Soil water

Dissolution

Oceanography

Physical chemistry

Paleontology

Biogeochemical cycle

Biogeochemistry

Plankton

Organic chemistry

Environmental chemistry

Trace metal

Environmental science

Soil science

Aerosol

Chemistry

Nutrient

Leaching (pedology)

Nature Communications

Metal dissolution from atmospheric aerosol deposition to the oceans is important in enhancing and inhibiting phytoplankton growth rates and modifying plankton community structure, thus impacting marine biogeochemistry. Here we review the current state of knowledge on the causes and effects of the leaching of multiple trace metals from natural and anthropogenic aerosols. Aerosol deposition is considered both on short timescales over which phytoplankton respond directly to aerosol metal inputs, as well as longer timescales over which biogeochemical cycles are affected by aerosols.

Aerosol trace metal leaching and impacts on marine microorganisms