Abstract
Carbohydrate concentrations in depth profiles from the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Gerlache Strait (Antarctica) were determined by MBTH analysis without hydrolysis and after hydrolysis with dilute HCI and concentrated H2SO4. Total carbohydrate (TCHO) concentrations in surface waters varied from 7 to 33 µM C and accounted for 21 ± 7% of the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) measured by high‐temperature combustion. Polysaccharides (PCHO) were the dominant form of carbohydrate in waters above oxygen minima whereas monosaccharides were dominant in the deep ocean. PCHO comprised 71 ± 18% of TCHO and 16 ± 9% of the DOC above oxygen minima at all stations. Hydrolysis‐resistant PCHO comprised 67 ± 30% of the total PCHO. Monosaccharide (MCHO) concentrations averaged 4.3 ± 1.9 µM C and varied little with depth at all stations. The large (5‐fold) decrease in PCHO concentrations between surface waters and oxygen minima suggested that polysaccharides are an active component of the carbon cycle in the upper ocean.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
