Abstract
A total of 61 samples, from six vertical profiles between surface and 1800 m from the Arabian Sea, have been analysed for uranium concentration to assess its behaviour in oxic and sub-oxic waters. These samples cover a wide range of dissolved oxygen concentration, from 0.14 to 230 μM. Uranium concentration in most of the samples fall in the range of 3.2 ± 0.2 μg l –1. In general, uranium exhibits a conservative behaviour in the Arabian Sea water column and denitrification processes do not seem to influence its abundance. The mean uranium/salinity ratio in waters with dissolved oxygen <2 μM is (9.17 ± 0.15) × 10 –8 g g –1, nearly identical to the ratio (9.22 ± 0.27) × 10 –8 g g –1 in waters with dissolved oxygen >100 μM, and in waters from other oceanic regions (9.34 ± 0.56) × 10 –8 g g –1. In one of the profiles (18°N, 64°E) collected during summer monsoon (SK115/6; August 1996), two samples from 300 and 600 m have uranium concentration ∼10–15% lower than that expected based on salinity. Further studies are needed to confirm these results and to characterize the process(es) contributing to depletion of uranium at these depths.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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.
