Analysis of marine DOC using a dry combustion method
As part of a continuing effort to verify and improve measurements of marine dissolved organic carbon (DOC), we combusted dried sea salts + adhered organic matter to assay DOC concentrations in representative samples from the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Combustions were performed overnight at 580 °C...
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Published in: | Marine chemistry Vol. 54; no. 3; pp. 191 - 201 |
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Main Authors: | , , , , |
Format: | Journal Article |
Language: | English |
Published: |
Elsevier B.V
1996
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Subjects: | |
Online Access: | Get full text |
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Summary: | As part of a continuing effort to verify and improve measurements of marine dissolved organic carbon (DOC), we combusted dried sea salts + adhered organic matter to assay DOC concentrations in representative samples from the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Combustions were performed overnight at 580 °C in sealed tubes, and oxidation of organic materials occurred via a novel mechanism, thermal sulfate reduction: 2H
2SO
4 + CH
2O → 2SO
2 + 3H
2O + CO
2
Measured DOC concentrations ranged from 43 to 114
μM C, with highest values observed in inshore surface samples from Woods Hole Harbor, and lowest values observed in twelve deep offshore Atlantic and Pacific waters. Stable carbon isotope values determined for all samples were near − 22%., consistent with a predominantly marine phytoplankton origin for DOC. A seasonal study in Woods Hole Harbor showed no significant temporal trend in nearshore DOC concentrations. Problems associated with sample storage and contamination during drying steps prevented highly precise (± 1
μM) DOC concentration determinations; however, an improved drying and measurement system is outlined (Appendix A) for possible future dry-combustion studies of DOC concentrations. |
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Bibliography: | ObjectType-Article-2 SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1 ObjectType-Feature-1 content type line 23 |
ISSN: | 0304-4203 1872-7581 |
DOI: | 10.1016/0304-4203(96)00031-X |