TRACE-METAL DISTRIBUTIONS IN SEAWATER AND ANOXIC BRINES IN THE EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN-SEA

The vertical distribution of dissolved and particulate trace metals (Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Cd) is reported for seawater and the anoxic brines of Tyro and Bannock Basins in the eastern Mediterranean. In normal Mediterranean seawater, the distribution of dissolved trace metals is governed by water mass circulation, as well as by local input sources. For Cd and possibly Cu, steady-state behaviour is not a viable assumption, probably as a result of anthropogenic sources. In agreement with previous reports, no correlation was observed between dissolved Ni, Cu, Cd, and the major nutrients. At the seawater-brine interface, all trace metals show dramatic changes in concentration. In the brines, the concentrations of dissolved Fe and Mn are strongly elevated compared to overlying waters, yet probably limited by formation of solid sulfide and/or carbonate phases. The distributions of dissolved Fe and sulfide show a remarkable mirror image of those found previously in the Orca brine (Gulf of Mexico), and the ionic concentration products are approximately the same in all three basins. The difference in absolute Fe and sulfide concentrations is thought to be caused by a high supply of Fe to Orca Basin. Concentrations of dissolved Ni, Cu, and Cd in the brines are at least one order of magnitude lower than in overlying waters, most likely due to formation of solid sulfide phases. We believe these data provide the first indication of substantial nickel-sulfide (co)precipitation within an anoxic basin. Particulate metal concentrations are elevated at the seawater-brine interface and are probably associated with the presence of solid sulfide phases. In addition, the extreme density gradient at the interface will slow the sinking rate of particles and lead to accumulation of particles at the interface due to accumulation.