Redox control on the tungsten isotope composition of seawater

Free oxygen represents an essential basis for the evolution of complex life forms on a habitable Earth. The isotope composition of redox-sensitive trace elements such as tungsten (W) can possibly trace the earliest rise of oceanic oxygen in Earth’s history. However, the impact of redox changes on the W isotope composition of seawater is still unknown. Here, we report highly variable W isotope compositions in the water column of a redox-stratified basin (δ(186/184)W between +0.347 and +0.810 ‰) that contrast with the homogenous W isotope composition of the open ocean (refined δ(186/184)W of +0.543 ± 0.046 ‰). Consistent with experimental studies, the preferential scavenging of isotopically light W by Mn-oxides increases the δ(186/184)W of surrounding seawater, whereas the redissolution of Mn-oxides causes decreasing seawater δ(186/184)W. Overall, the distinctly heavy stable W isotopic signature of open ocean seawater mirrors predominantly fully oxic conditions in modern oceans. We expect, however, that the redox evolution from anoxic to hypoxic and finally oxic marine conditions in early Earth’s history would have continuously increased the seawater δ(186/184)W. Stable W isotope compositions of chemical sediments that potentially preserve changing seawater W isotope signatures might therefore reflect global changes in marine redox conditions.