Abstract
Bromine enters the atmosphere from the oceans in a range of chemical forms, some of which may readily undergo further chemical reactions. Knowledge of these cehimical reactions. Knowledge of these chemical forms and reactions is essential to an understanding of the atmospheric cycle of Br and to more specific questions such as the use of Br/Pb ratios in source apportionment studies of atmospheric lead. The literature upon atmospheric Br chemistry and speciation is reviewed, particularly in relation to the significance of marine particulate bromine in overland air, and an experimental study of particulate Br/Na ratios and gaseous Br levels at a coastal site is described. It appears that rather rapid volatile loss of Br from marine aerosols occurs, especially over land where concentrations of reactive pollutants may be substantial. Background gaseous Br levels can be appreciable, although little is known of their origin or speciation.