Trace metal concentrations in the Ross Sea and their relationship with nutrients and phytoplankton growth

Dissolved and particulate trace metal concentrations (dissolved Fe, Zn, Cd, Co, Cu and Ni; particulate Fe, Mn and Al) were measured along two transect s in the Ross Sea during austral summer of 1990. Total Fe concentrations in southern Ross Sea and inshore waters were elevated > 3.5 times that of nor thern waters. Dissolved Zn, Cd and Co concentrations were lower by factors of 4.5, 3.5 and 1.6 in southern surface waters relative to northern waters, Dissolved Cu and Ni concentrations were similar in both areas. Elevated Fe concentrations coincided with areas of increased productivity, phytoplankt on biomass and nutrient drawdown, indicating that Fe is an important factor controlling the location of phytoplankton blooms in the Ross Sea. Particul ate concentrations of Fe, Mn and Al indicate two possible sources of iron t o the Ross Sea? resuspension of continental shelf sediments and iron incorp orated in annual sea ice and released with meltwaters. (C) 2000 Elsevier Sc ience Ltd. All rights reserved.