Patchiness in dissolved metals (Al, Cd, Co, Cu, Mn, Ni) in North Sea surface waters: seasonal differences and influence of suspended sediment

Abstract In February 1988, 60 near surface samples were taken on a track between 2°W in the English Channel, the Pentland Firth and the inner German Bight. Determinations were made on filtered and unfiltered samples. Concentrations of dissolved metals in the North Sea normalized to a salinity of 34.5 were Al 31, Cd 0.13, Co 0.13, Cu 3.4, Mn 6.2 and Ni 3.9 nM. In July 1984 the equivalent concentrations were Al 11, Cd 0.15, Co 0.15, Cu 4.3, Mn 12 and Ni 3.6 nM. Distinct regional differences were detectable which can be related to the origin of the water, differing river inputs, and solution-solid phase exchange reactions. The degree of the influence of exchange reactions was investigated through the concept of Kd , the distribution coefficient. A Kd of 10 5 ml g −1 for Al is consistent with other observations and explains the relatively high concentrations of dissolved Al detected in the English Channel on this cruise. The data suggest a higher Kd for Mn approaching 10 6 ml g −1 . The high Mn Kd coupled to higher suspended sediment loads in winter may be sufficient to explain the lower concentration of dissolved Mn in winter. Comparison of concentrations across the shelf break suggests that for all the metals studied, the European Shelf is a source of dissolved metals to the deep sea. Calculations based on the limited available data indicate that this export is of similar magnitude to the fresh water input of dissolved metals.