Abstract
AbstractZinc (Zn) is an essential micronutrient for bacteria and phytoplankton in the ocean. However, seawater samples for Zn measurements are highly prone to contamination due to the ubiquity of Zn in laboratories and research vessels. To identify a potential Zn contamination problem during a research cruise to the subarctic North Pacific, we compared three operational sampling approaches for trace Zn in seawater. Acid‐cleaned Niskin‐X samplers were: (1) deployed on a conductivity–temperature‐depth carousel multisampling system (CTD‐CMS) launched at the vessel's starboard side, (2) attached to a Kevlar wire lowered at the vessel's stern, and (3) attached to a Ti wire lowered from a starboard position. Zn contamination in the case of Kevlar wire hydrocasts was problematic for samples from ≤400 m because Zn is used as a sacrificial anode for the ship's propeller shaft and for the pipes of the seawater cooling system. In deep waters, consistent Zn concentrations were found using the three different sampling methods. Based on the clean seawater sampling with CTD‐CMS and the onboard analytical method, vertical profiles of dissolved Zn were then obtained. These profiles were compared with those of Si in the subarctic North Pacific. Both Zn and Si concentrations showed a clear west–east gradient in shallow waters.
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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
