Abstract
Particulate organic carbon found in sea foam and water samples from North Inlet, South Carolina, were examined for their δ13C isotopic composition. Sea foam particulate organic carbon (POC) δ13C values ranged from −20.4 to −24.6‰ (mean=−22.3‰) and water POC δ13C values ranged from −21.0 to −28.5‰ (mean= −24.4‰). Temporal trends in sea foam and water POC indicate that δ13C values for both POC components are depleted in the colder months and enriched in the warmer months. Measurement of δ13C from potential sources for organic matter found in sea foam, combined with data on macroalgae productivity and phytoplankton biomass, indicates that macroalgae are the principal source of POC for sea foam in the colder months. In the warmer months, phytoplankton appear to be more important contributors. The observed water POC δ13C values were always depleted relative to foam POC δ13C values. This isotopic difference may result from chemical segregation during sea foam formation or may reflect DOC δ13C values from terrestrial origins.
Published Version
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