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.
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Data availability
The complete dataset is available for download from the Figshare repository (https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.30026440)26 as an excel spreadsheet (file name; Mercury stable isotope dataset.xlsx). The iGOS4M dataset can also be accessed online at https://www.get.omp.eu/igos4m/ and http://igos4m.com/. Authors of Hg isotope studies that are currently missing in the dataset or authors of future Hg isotope studies can use the online data template to provide their data for inclusion in iGOS4M. An efficient option would be to use the iGOS4M data template as Supporting Information file format, so that little or no additional reformatting is required. Upon checking whether the authors have followed the QA/QC described in this paper, the dataset will be uploaded onto the repository. Amendments to data can be requested by contacting the corresponding authors of this paper.
Code availability
No custom code has been used in the manuscript.
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Acknowledgements
We thank Jan Wiederhold and an anonymous reviewer, as well as the editors for constructive comments that helped improve the draft manuscript. We acknowledge financial support from Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), the U.S. Geological Survey Environmental Health Program, the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) and University of Toulouse, and the Korea Institute of Marine Science & Technology Promotion (KIMST) funded by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF) (RS-2022-KS221655).
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J.E.S., S.Y.K., R.F.L. led and developed the dataset and wrote the paper. J.D., W.Z., M.C., H.L., D.W. and S.E.J. compiled the data and revised the paper. J.E.S., S.Y.K. and R.F.L. acquired funding.
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Sonke, J.E., Kwon, S.Y., Demers, J.D. et al. The Global Observation System for Mercury dataset for mercury stable isotope signatures in environmental media. Sci Data (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-026-07035-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-026-07035-3
