Zirconium (Zr)

Atomic number: 40
Atomic weight: 91.224
Average concentration in ocean: 160 pmol/kg
Residence time: 5600 years

Distribution in ocean
Dissolved Zr has a nutrient-like vertical profile resembling that of copper.  Concentrations are depleted at the surface and enriched with depth (data).

Speciation
Zirconium is present in seawater in the +IV oxidation state as the Zr(OH)5- ion.

Residence time
The zirconium residence time is from Sohrin et al. (1998).   It was calculated from the global average river input.

Analysis
Ziconium is determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry after preconcentration.

References & Notes