Generalized total least squares to characterize biogeochemical processes of the ocean

The chemical composition of the global ocean is governed by biological, chemical, and physical processes. These processes interact with each other so that the concentrations of carbon, oxygen, nitrogen (mainly from nitrate, nitrite, ammonium), and phosphorous (mainly from phosphate), vary in constant proportions, referred to as the Redfield ratios. We construct here the generalized total least squares estimator of these ratios. The significance of our approach is twofold; it respects the hydrological characteristics of the studied areas, and it can be applied identically in any area where enough data are available. The tests applied to Atlantic Ocean data highlight a variability of the Redfield ratios, both with geographical location and with depth. This variability emphasizes the importance of local and accurate estimates of Redfield ratios.