Water soluble reactive phosphate (SRP) in atmospheric particles over East Mediterranean: The importance of dust and biomass burning events

The importance of dust and biomass burning episodes on the atmospheric concentration of water-soluble reactive phosphate (SRP) was determined in the eastern Mediterranean. SRP was measured with a new rapid real-time automated analytical system with a time resolution of a few minutes per sample and with an extremely low detection limit. The average atmospheric concentration of SRP during the sampling campaign was estimated at 0.35 & nbsp;+/- 0.25 (median 0.30) nmol P m(-3). The maximum concentration of SRP (3.08 nmol P m(-3)) was recorded during an intense dust episode, and was almost ten times higher than the campaign average, confirming that Saharan dust was an important primary source of bioavailable P to the eastern Mediterranean, especially during the spring period when 60% of the events occurred. Predicted increases in the frequency and intensity of dust storms in the area will enhance the role of the atmosphere as a source of bioavailable P for the Mediterranean marine ecosystem. During the warm period, when Northerly winds prevailed, biomass burning processes contributed significantly to soluble phosphorus delivered from atmospheric sources to the eastern Mediterranean. These inputs during warm periods are especially important for the Eastern Mediterranean, where biological productivity is strongly limited by nutrient availability.