Iodine cycle
Article
The iodine cycle is the movement of iodine among oceans, the atmosphere, soils, sediments, freshwater, and living organisms. The oceans are the largest active reservoir near Earth's surface.
Marine organisms and chemical reactions release iodine-containing gases and aerosols to the atmosphere. These compounds participate in ozone chemistry and the formation of new aerosol particles before returning through deposition.
Iodide and iodate circulate through seawater and can be taken up by algae and other organisms. On land, iodine binds to organic matter and minerals, moves through food webs, and is an essential component of thyroid hormones.
Volcanism, sea spray, erosion, rivers, sediment burial, and human activities connect the reservoirs. Iodine deficiency or excess in soils and diets has important health effects.
Source details and credits
- Source / publisher: Wikipedia
- URL type: WWW
- Credits: Wikipedia
- URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iodine_cycle
