Controls on Mo isotope fractionations in a Mn-rich anoxic marine sediment, Gullmar Fjord, Sweden

Molybdenum isotopes have emerged as an important tool for determining the spatial extent of past ocean redox conditions. However, our understanding of Mo cycling and associated isotopic fractionations in modem and ancient continental margin sediments is limited, restricting attempts to fully utilize the potential of Mo isotopes. This is particularly the case with regard to the relative significance of Mo isotope fractionations associated with biogeochemical Mn and Fe oxide cycling under conditions of low dissolved sulfide. To rectify this, we have investigated sediments from Gullmar Fjord (Sweden), which contain high concentrations of Mn oxides and exhibit a strong redox zonation between Mn and Fe reduction. A combination of dissolved and particulate Mo isotope measurements, with porewater and solid phase Mn and Fe characterization, reveals that the main influence on porewater delta Mo-98 compositions is exerted by adsorption and desorption processes during reductive dissolution of both Mn and Fe (oxyhydr)oxide minerals. In areas enriched in Mn oxides distinctively low solid phase delta Mo-98 values are observed (similar to-1.0 and 0.4 parts per thousand), which occur due to the large Mo isotope fractionation associated with Mo adsorption to Mn oxides. However, where Mn oxide concentrations are lower, authigenic delta Mo-98 is largely controlled by Fe (oxyhydr)oxide minerals, resulting in more positive delta Mo-98 isotopic compositions (similar to-0.5 and 2 parts per thousand). Our results suggest that for modem anoxic marine sediments where deposition occurs beneath an oxic to suboxic water column, delta Mo-98 is dominantly controlled by the relative availability of Mn and Fe oxides, and the production of dissolved sulfide. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.