The Global Observation System for Mercury dataset for mercury stable isotope signatures in environmental media

Jeroen E Sonke; Sae Yun Kwon; Jason D. Demers; Wang Zheng; Moonkyoung Cho; Hoin Lee; Demetra A. Williams; Ryan Lepak; Sarah E. Janssen

doi:10.1038/s41597-026-07035-3

The Global Observation System for Mercury dataset for mercury stable isotope signatures in environmental media

Scientific Data

By: Jeroen E Sonke, Sae Yun Kwon, Jason D. Demers, Wang Zheng, Moonkyoung Cho, Hoin Lee, Demetra A. Williams, Ryan Lepak, and Sarah E. Janssen

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-026-07035-3

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Abstract

The natural variability in the abundance ratios of stable isotopes of mercury (Hg), which collectively forms its isotopic composition, provides information on Hg sources and biogeochemical pathways. Modern mass spectrometry has allowed for measurement of Hg isotope ratios across atmospheric, aquatic, and terrestrial compartments, often at trace levels. Since realizing the utility of Hg isotope ratios, hundreds of studies have generated a wealth of data that is increasingly challenging to summarize and interpret for individual scientists. Arising as a complimentary initiative under the Global Observation System for Mercury (GOS⁴M) that supports the Minamata Convention on Mercury, we describe the establishment of the iGOS⁴M Hg isotope dataset. In its present form, iGOS⁴M has > 11,000 data entries from 190 studies, which together with metadata on sample type, geographical location, Hg concentration, and other environmental and ecological parameters, provide a long-needed catalogue of knowledge gathered by and for the Hg isotope community. We introduce the structure of iGOS⁴M and a standardization rubric to promote global consistency in measurement and data reporting.

Suggested Citation

Sonke, J.E., Kwon, S.Y., Demers, J.D., Zheng, W., Cho, M., Lee, H., Williams, D.A., Lepak, R., and Janssen, S., 2026, The Global Observation System for Mercury dataset for mercury stable isotope signatures in environmental media: Scientific Data, v. 13, 688, 10 p., https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-026-07035-3.

Additional publication details
Publication type	Article
Publication Subtype	Journal Article
Title	The Global Observation System for Mercury dataset for mercury stable isotope signatures in environmental media
Series title	Scientific Data
DOI	10.1038/s41597-026-07035-3
Volume	13
Publication Date	March 17, 2026
Year Published	2026
Language	English
Publisher	Nature
Contributing office(s)	Upper Midwest Water Science Center
Description	688, 10 p.