Isotopic fractionation during soil uptake of atmospheric hydrogen
Abstract. Soil uptake of atmospheric hydrogen (H2) and the associated hydrogen isotope effect were studied using soil chambers in a Western Washington second-growth coniferous forest. Chamber studies were conducted during both winter and summer seasons to account for large natural variability in soil moisture content (4–50%) and temperature (6–22 °C). H2 deposition velocities were found to range from 0.01–0.06 cm s−1 with an average of 0.033 ± 0.008 cm s−1 (95% confidence interval). Consistent with prior studies, deposition velocities were correlated with soil moisture below 20% soil moisture content during the summer season. During winter, there was considerable variability observed in deposition velocity that was not closely related to soil moisture. The hydrogen kinetic isotope effect with H2 uptake was found to range from −24‰ to −109‰. Aggregate analysis of experimental data results in an average KIE of −57 ± 5‰ (95% CI). Some of the variability in KIE can be explained by larger isotope effects at lower (<10%) and higher (>30%) soil moisture contents. The measured KIE was also found to be correlated with deposition velocity, with smaller isotope effects occurring at higher deposition velocities. If correct, these findings will have an impact on the interpretation of atmospheric measurements and modeling of δD of H2.
