Bromine cycle
Article
The bromine cycle is the circulation of bromine among oceans, the atmosphere, soils, sediments, and living organisms. Most bromine near Earth's surface is present as bromide dissolved in seawater.
Sea spray, biological activity, and chemical reactions release bromine-containing compounds to the atmosphere. In polar regions, reactive bromine can be produced rapidly from sea-salt surfaces during spring.
Atmospheric bromine participates in reactions that destroy ozone and transform mercury and other trace substances. Bromine compounds are later returned to the surface through deposition and precipitation.
Rivers, groundwater, sediment burial, evaporation, mineral formation, and volcanic emissions also contribute to the cycle. Human-made halons, fumigants, and industrial bromine compounds have added important atmospheric pathways.
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- Source / publisher: Wikipedia
- URL type: WWW
- Credits: Wikipedia
- URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bromine_cycle