Summary
The vapor pressure difference between H2 18O and H2 16O is the reason for the accumulation of the heavy molecule in transpiring leaves. Since photosynthesis on land is the main source of atmospheric oxygen, this mechanism is important for the remarkable enrichment of18O in atmospheric O2 (Dole effect). Using a simple box model for transpiring leaves a quantitative understanding of the isotope fractionation is possible which is well confirmed by the results of model experiments as well as by measurements on trees. Maximum enrichment of H2 18O in the water of leaves (relative to soil water) is 25 ‰ (theoretically, for dry air) and was found under natural conditions to be 21 ‰ (for 28 % relative humidity); minimum theoretical enrichment is zero (observed 2.5 ‰).
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Dongmann, G., Nürnberg, H.W., Förstel, H. et al. On the enrichment of H2 18O in the leaves of transpiring plants. Radiat Environ Biophys 11, 41–52 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01323099
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01323099