Mr Matthew Jones
University of East Anglia, Norwich, UNITED KINGDOM
Topic: Introduction to methods, techniques and technologies for Fe speciation in seawater (Report)
Host: Peter Croot, University of Kiel, Marine Campus, Kiel (Germany)
Date of STSM: 12/05/2007 to 26/05/2007
STSM code: 1510
I am presently studying the mechanisms for controlling micronutrient concentrations. The primary aim is discerning possible enrichment within the sea surface microlayer; the interface water and atmosphere. Both fresh and saline waters are studied. The study consists of a time series which is used to asses water column biological factors and how they change surface microlayer micronutrient concentration. Further field work is undertaken which is used to gain an insight into naturally perturbed environments. My laboratory work consists of promoting photochemical reactions under specific wavelength regimes. Comparisons are between the surface microlayer and underlying waters over time. Samples are analysed for iron (II) using a flow injection chemiluminescence technique and via an ICP-MS and spectrofluorometer for Mn and Al respectively. The behavioural differences between these elements will help in the understanding of how the surface microlayer acts towards micronutrients compared to underlying waters. The micronutrient concentrations and photochemically induced behaviour will further be perturbed through changes in pH. I am further interested in modelling behavioural patterns in the micronutrients. The model should help deduce physical mechanisms and transfer rates between the surface microlayer and underlying waters