Collaborative Research: Interactive Influences of Atmospheric Deposition and Phytoplankton on Trace Metal Speciation

Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium, Chauvin LA

Investigators

Abstract

ABSTRACT OCE-0136977 OCE-0136298 Recent investigations of the biogeochemistry of iron in the ocean has spurred interest in the interaction of atmospherically sourced bioactive elements including iron, zinc, cobalt and copper on the speciation, organic complexation and bioavailability of these trace metals in surface seawater. In conjunction with a planned field expedition to the central western Pacific (NSF OCE-0117917- Measures, Landing and Cutter) this collaborative research effort will employ a range of electrochemical and mass spectrometric based analytical techniques uniquely sensitive to the sub-nanomolar concentrations of the elements Fe, Co, Zn and Cu found in surface seawater. The use of competitive ligand equilibration experiments along with the sensitive voltammetric stripping analyses used in the electrochemical studies will provide relative indication of the binding strength of organic ligands either produced during surface phytoplankton blooms or found in atmospheric precipitation or dry deposition