Temporal distribution of trace metals in Antarctic coastal waters

Abstract

In the framework of the Italian Research Programme in Antarctica, a nearshore station positioned inside the Gerlache Inlet (Terra Nova Bay, Western Ross Sea) was regularly sampled during the Austral Spring 1997/1998, from November to February. In order to evaluate the physical, chemical and biological variations along the water column, measurements of a large number of parameters were performed at a suitable frequency: temperature, salinity, fluorescence, suspended particulate matter, concentration of dissolved and particulate Fe, Cu and Mn, concentration of nutrients and phytoplankton pigments. Samples of pack ice and marine microlayer were also collected and analysed. Elaboration of data with regards to temporal and vertical components provided a good description of temporal distribution of trace metals in the coastal waters of Terra Nova Bay, in relation to the physical and biological processes.