The Global Biogeochemical Cycle of Rhenium

• Published in: Global biogeochemical cycles 2024-10, Vol.38 (10), p.n/a
• Main Authors: Ghazi, L., Grant, K. E., Chappaz, A., Danish, M., Peucker‐Ehrenbrink, B., Pett‐Ridge, J. C.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anthropogenic factors; anthropogenic mobilization; Biogeochemical cycle; Biogeochemical cycles; Biogeochemistry; Carbon cycle; Chemical weathering; Coal; Coal combustion; Coal mining; Combustion; Degassing; Earth; Earth surface; Fluxes; Groundwater; Groundwater discharge; Human impact; Human influences; Hydrothermal activity; Isotopes; Lava; Magma; Mining; Oceans; Organic carbon; Oxidation; oxidative weathering; paleoredox; Petroleum; Rhenium; Rivers; Tracers; Weathering
• ISSN: 0886-6236; 1944-9224
• DOI: 10.1029/2024GB008254

This paper is the first comprehensive synthesis of what is currently known about the different natural and anthropogenic fluxes of rhenium (Re) on Earth's surface. We highlight the significant role of anthropogenic mobilization of Re, which is an important consideration in utilizing Re in the context of a biogeochemical tracer or proxy. The largest natural flux of Re derives from chemical weathering and riverine transport to the ocean (dissolved = 62 × 106 g yr−1 and particulate = 5 × 106 g yr−1). This review reports a new global average [Re] of 16 ± 2 pmol L−1, or 10 ± 1 pmol L−1 for the inferred pre‐anthropogenic concentration without human impact, for rivers draining to the ocean. Human activity via mining (including secondary mobilization), coal combustion, and petroleum combustion mobilize approximately 560 × 106 g yr−1 Re, which is more than any natural flux of Re. There are several poorly constrained fluxes of Re that merit further research, including: submarine groundwater discharge, precipitation (terrestrial and oceanic), magma degassing, and hydrothermal activity. The mechanisms and the main host phases responsible for releasing (sources) or sequestrating (sinks) these fluxes remain poorly understood. This study also highlights the use of dissolved [Re] concentrations as a tracer of oxidation of petrogenic organic carbon, and stable Re isotopes as proxies for changes in global redox conditions. Plain Language Summary This study examines how the rare element rhenium (Re) moves throughout the Earth's surface. The largest natural source of Re is rock weathering, but human activities such as mining, coal combustion, and petroleum combustion have accelerated the natural Re cycle. Understanding the behavior of Re in a variety of Earth surface environments helps us to evaluate fundamental biogeochemical questions about Earth's carbon and oxygen cycles. Key Points We compile existing rhenium (Re) concentration data and flux estimates in Earth's surface reservoirs Although rhenium is one of the rarest elements in the Earth's crust, human activity has enhanced Re mobilization by around 3‐ to 4‐fold Rhenium may help track the oxidation of rock‐bound organic carbon, track anthropogenic pollution, and reconstruct paleoredox conditions