Exchange of vanadium between continental crust and seawater
Values are in 109 g/yr.[1] Vanadium is a relatively ample trace metal which enters surfaces through chemical weathering. Vanadium can be released into the atmosphere through volcanic ash, coal and petroleum pollution, or fires. Vanadium enters back into the earth through sedimentation and the cycle begins again. The two largest mechanisms in the vanadium cycle include rock weathering and sedimentation.
The globalvanadium cycle is controlled by physical and chemical processes that drive the exchange of vanadium between its two main reservoirs: the upper continental crust and the ocean.[1]Anthropogenic processes such ascoal andpetroleum production release vanadium to the atmosphere.
Vanadium is atrace metal that is relatively abundant in the Earth (~100part per million in the upper crust).[1] Vanadium is mobilized from minerals throughweathering and transported to the ocean. Vanadium can enter the atmosphere through wind erosion and volcanic emissions[1] and will remain there until it is removed by precipitation.[1]
Human activity has increased the amount of vanadium emissions to the atmosphere.[2] Vanadium is abundant in fossil fuels because it is incorporated inporphyrins during organic matter degradation.[3]Coal andpetroleum factory pollution release significant vanadium to the atmosphere.[1] Vanadium is also mined and using for industrial purposes including for steel reinforcement, electronics, and batteries.[1]
Biological processes play a relatively minor role in the global vanadium cycle.Vanadium bromoperoxidase is present in some marine bacteria and algae.[5] Vanadium can also takes the place ofmolybdenum in alternativenitrogenases.[6]
