The distribution of particulate organic carbon and nitrogen in some surface waters of the World Ocean

Abstract

Data is presented for the concentrations of organic carbon and nitrogen, and C:N ratios, in marine particulate matter, and for POC and PN, from surface waters collected in the northeastern Atlantic, South Atlantic, Indian Ocean and China Sea. The organic carbon content of this particulate matter varies between 4.6% and 29.9%, and has an average of 17.8%. The average organic carbon content of particulate matter from the various oceans decreases in the order: Northeastern Atlantic > South Atlantic > Indian Ocean > China Sea. The nitrogen content of the particulate matter varies between 1.0% and 3.9%, with an average of 2.2%, and in general follows the same trend as that of organic carbon. C:N ratios vary between 5.1 and 10.6, and have an average of 7.9. The POC contents of the oceanic waters vary between 6.6 and 211 μg/l, with an average of 52 μg/l. The concentrations in the surface waters decrease in the following order: Northeastern Atlantic τ China Sea > South Atlantic > Indian Ocean. The concentrations, and compositions, of particulate matter from various coastal localities are given for comparison with the oceanic values.