CONCENTRATIONS OF SUSPENDED MATTER AND PARTICULATE CADMIUM, COPPER, LEAD AND ZINC IN THE INDIAN SECTOR OF THE ANTARCTIC OCEAN

The concentrations of suspended matter and particulate Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn were determined for 36 samples collected at 6 stations in the Antarctic Ocean during December, 1970 and January, 1971 using membrane filters. The concentration of suspended matter was determined gravimetrically and trace metal levels were determined using anodic stripping voltammetry. For waters deeper than 100 m the concentration of suspended matter was < 100 μg l-1. Concentrations up to 542 μg l-1 were recorded between surface and 100 m. Individual concentrations of the metals were scattered with depth. Average concentrations of particulate metals were: Cd, 3.5 ng l-1; Cu, 100 ng l-1; Pb, 35 ng l-1; and Zn, 230 ng ;l-1 These measurements represent non-steady state conditions of early Antarctic summer as the ice pack disintegrates and biological activity increases. © 1979.