Distribution, partitioning and fluxes of dissolved and particulate organic C, N and P in the eastern North Pacific and Southern Oceans

Concurrent distributions of dissolved and suspended particulate organic carbon (DOC and POC_susp), nitrogen (DON and PON_susp) and phosphorus (DOP and POP_susp), and of suspended particulate inorganic phosphorus (PIP_susp), are presented for the open ocean water column. Samples were collected along a three-station transect from the upper continental slope to the abyssal plain in the eastern North Pacific and from a single station in the Southern Ocean. The elemental composition of surface sedimentary organic matter (SOM) was also measured at each location, and sinking particulate organic matter (POM_sink) was measured with moored sediment traps over a 110-d period at the abyssal site in the eastern North Pacific only. In addition to elemental compositions, C : N, C : P and N : P ratios were also calculated. Surface and deep ocean concentrations of dissolved organic matter (DOM) and inorganic nutrients between the two sites displayed distinct differences, although suspended POM (POM_susp) concentrations were similar. Concentrations of DOM and POM_susp displayed unique C, N and P distributions, with POM_susp concentrations generally about 1–2 orders of magnitude less than the corresponding DOM concentrations. These differences were likely influenced by different biogeochemical factors: whereas the dissolved constituents may have been influenced more by the physical regime of the study site, suspended particulate matter may have been controlled to a greater extent by biological and chemical alteration. Up to 80% of total particulate P in POM_susp, POM_sink and SOM consisted of PIP. For all organic matter pools measured, elemental ratios reveal that organic P is preferentially remineralized over organic C and organic N at both sites. Increases in C : P and N : P ratios with depth were also observed for DOM at both sites, suggesting that DOP is also preferentially degraded over C and N as a function of depth. A simple one-dimensional vertical eddy diffusion model was applied to estimate the contributions of dissolved and suspended particulate organic C, N and P fluxes from the upper mixed layer into the permanent thermocline. Estimated vertical DOM fluxes were 28–63% of the total organic matter fluxes; POM_susp and POM_sink fluxes were 8–20 and 28–52% of the total.     

Variability of Particulate Organic Phosphorus in the Northwestern Part of the Black Sea

Based on long-term (1985–1995) monitoring data, the paper considers the peculiarities of seasonal variability in the spatial and vertical distribution of particulate organic phosphorus (Р_POM) in the surface layer and in the photosynthetic zone in the northwestern Black Sea. Regression equations, experimental data, and satellite observations for the chlorophyll a concentration allowed us to evaluate the seasonal longterm (1979–1995) variability in Р_POM in the surface layer and photosynthesis zone. The ratios of the concentrations of particulate organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and chlorophyll a are calculated and statistical estimates of seasonal changes in the Р_POM in the areas with different degrees of influence of river runoff and water of open seas are obtained. The consistency of intra-annual changes in the concentrations of Р_POM, chlorophyll a, and phytoplankton biomass is shown, which indicates the role of phytoplankton in the formation of Р_POM and in its intra- and interannual variability in the northwestern part of the sea. It is shown that long-term seasonal variations in Р_POM and related changes in the concentration of chlorophyll a depend on the variability of bulk river runoff, the extent of its abundance in the northwestern shelf, and regional hydrometeorological conditions.     

Chlorophyll concentrations and suspended particulate loads in St Lucia,a turbid estuary on the east coast of South Africa

Concentrations of chlorophyll a and suspended particulate concentrations were measured during three lake-wide surveys of St Lucia, a shallow, turbid estuary on the east coast of South Africa. There was no salinity gradient in the system during any of the surveys, but between the surveys there were considerable salinity differences. Summer turbidities were higher than those of winter and spring, and turbidity along the eastern edge of the system was lower than elsewhere. Chlorophyll a was present over a wide range of salinities and turbidities and was generally highest in summer. However, there was no relationship between salinity and concentrations of chlorophyll a, and the concentrations were not significantly higher along the less turbid eastern shore. Concentrations of total paniculate matter (TPM) and particulate organic matter (POM) in the < 100 μm fraction were significantly correlated with turbidity throughout the year, but chlorophyll a and POM (< 100 μm) were significantly correlated only in summer. Concentrations of TPM in the > 100 μm fraction were two orders of magnitude lower than those in the < 100 μm fraction, but the organic content of the former fraction was very much higher. There was no relationship between turbidity and TPM (> 100 μm), nor between chlorophyll a and POM (> 100 μm) concentrations. Under conditions of high TPM load and in the salinity range 2–25 × 10^?3, phytoplankton would probably still occur in St Lucia. Estimates of phytoplankton production ranged between 218 and 252 mg C·m?2·day^?1. A comparison of estimates of the standing stocks of carbon from phytoplankton and suspended POM < 100 μm indicated that carbon input from sources other than phytoplankton may be important.     

Partitioning particulate absorption coefficient into contributions of phytoplankton and nonalgal particles: A case study in the northern South China Sea

We measured the absorption coefficients of suspended particles (a_p(λ)) during three cruises from coastal waters to open ocean in the northern South China Sea (NSCS). The absorption contributions of phytoplankton (a_ph(λ)) and nonalgal particles (a_NAP(λ)) were determined using the methanol extraction method. Based on the dataset of about 360 samples, we examined the spectral relationships of the particle absorption coefficients. The results show that a_p(λ) spectra are well linearly correlated with a_p(443) over the wavebands between 420–650 nm; a_ph(λ) could be well expressed as the second-order quadratic equations of a_ph(443) among the blue-green wavebands, and a_NAP(λ) follows the general exponential function. Based on these spectral relationships, a model was proposed for partitioning the total particulate absorption coefficients into the contributions of phytoplankton and nonalgal particles using the nonlinear optimization method. The model was validated by comparing the computed results with in situ absorption coefficients. In some wavebands, such as 412 nm, 443 nm, 490 nm and 683 nm, we obtained good correlations with the percentage root mean square error (RMSE) values being controlled within 25% and the slopes being closer to 1.0. For samples from coastal waters, the discrepancy was a little large, which might be due to the higher absorption contributions from certain pheopigments. Overall, this model provides us much insight into phytoplankton absorption retrieval from in situ measurements and remote sensing ocean color data.     

Stable Isotopic Composition of Particulate Organic Carbon in the Caspian Sea

The data on the isotopic composition of particulate organic carbon (δ¹³C_POC) in the Caspian Sea water in summer–autumn 2008, 2010, 2012, and 2013 are discussed in the paper. These data allowed as to reveal the predominant genesis of organic carbon in suspended particulate matter of the active seawater layer (from 0 to 40 m). The δ¹³C_POC =–27‰ (PDB) and δ¹³C_POC =–20.5‰ (PDB) values were taken as the reference data for terrigenous and planktonogenic organic matter, respectively. Seasonal (early summer, late summer, and autumn) variations in the composition of suspended particulate matter in the active sea layer were revealed. A shift of δ¹³C_POC towards greater values was seen in autumn (with a slight outburst in the development (bloom) of phytoplankton) in comparison with summer (with large accumulations and an extraordinary phytoplankton bloom confined to the thermocline area). The seasonal dynamics of autochthonous and allochthonous components in the suspended particulate matter of the Middle and Southern Caspian Sea was studied with the use of data on the concentration of particulate matter and chlorophyll a, the phytoplankton biomass and the POC content.     

Sediment Flux of Particulate Organic Phosphorus in the Open Black Sea

The interannual variation of the monthly average (weighted average) concentrations of particulate organic phosphorus (P_POM) in the photosynthetic layer, oxycline, redox zone, and H₂S zone in the open Black Sea is estimated based on long-term observation data. The suspension sedimentation rates from the studied layers are assessed using model calculations and published data. The annual variation of P_POM sediment fluxes from the photosynthetic layer, oxycline, redox zone, and upper H₂S zone to the anaerobic zone of the sea and the correspondingly annual average values are estimated for the first time. A regular decrease in the P_POM annual average flux with depth in the upper active layer is demonstrated. A correlation between the annual average values of P_POM sediment flux from the photosynthetic layer and ascending phosphate flux to this layer is shown, which suggests their balance in the open sea. The results are discussed in terms of the phosphorus biogeochemical cycle and the concept of new and regenerative primary production in the open Black Sea.     

Relationship between dissolved and particulate fatty acids and hydrocarbons, chlorophyll a and zooplankton biomass in Villefranche Bay, Mediterranean Sea

Dissolved, particulate, and plankton hydrocarbons and fatty acids have been analysed by gas chromatography and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry in samples taken during a 16-month period at two stations located in Villefranche Bay, Mediterranean Sea. The study has been conducted in connection with regular determinations of chlorophyll a, zooplankton biomass and species of net plankton samples. The n-alkanes show a regular distribution pattern of odd and even carbon numbered compounds between n-C₂₁ and n-C₃₆ with additional characteristics associated with biological phenomena: abundance of n-C₁₅ and n-C₁₇, predominance of pristane over n-C₁₇ in zooplankton-rich samples, predominance of even carbon numbered n-alkanes in the range C₁₈–C₂₀, generally associated with a mixture of higher molecular weight even carbon numbered n-alkanes, modifying the regular distribution of the n-alkanes. For the station located at the end of the bay, the correlation between particulate hydrocarbons, particulate n-alkanes and chlorophyll a contents ( 0.630) is significant — well below the 0.05 level. There is discussion of this correlation which indicates a possible direct contribution of phytoplankton to the hydrocarbons of seawater or other biochemical associations between plankton and dissolved organic matter. Polyunsaturated fatty acids such as C₂₀ and C₂₂ are more abundant in plankton and suspended matter than in seawater. Data relative to those components allow us to evaluate the percentage of living plankton in suspended matter. General trends indicate the existence of a relation between particulate fatty acid and zooplanktonic biomass concentrations in the bay water.     

秦皇岛外海低氧区颗粒物吸收光谱特征

近年来, 渤海夏季低氧现象频发, 引起了人们的广泛关注。然而对该海域低氧形成的机制还未得到充分认识。研究基于在秦皇岛外海的现场观测, 分析了海水中颗粒物吸收光谱特征及其与不同粒径浮游植物叶绿素a (chl a)组成、环境因子的关系, 评估了夏季底层水体脱氧过程中有机物来源与特征。结果显示,夏季秦皇岛外海微型浮游植物chl a占总量的80%。表层水体中, 总颗粒物吸收光谱[a_p(l)]特征由浮游植物色素吸收光谱[a_ph(l)]主导, 在中、底层水体中则由碎屑颗粒物吸收光谱[a_d(l)]主导。垂向上, a_p(440)和a_d(440)均表现为表层<中层<底层。结果还表明, 浮游植物粒径主导秦皇岛外海chl a的光吸收效率, 即a^*_ph(440)。基于三粒级chl a含量, 可利用多元回归预测a_ph(440)。碎屑颗粒物的吸收光谱同样受浮游植物群落、有机质相对含量等的影响。研究结果表明初级生产产生的微型颗粒有机物是底层水体脱氧的主要底物。     

Estimation of phytoplankton pigments,total suspended matter and the concentration of its components by Secchi depth in Guinea's coastal zone

Relationships between the surface concentrations of phytoplankton pigments (C _ph), total suspended matter (C _sm), particulate organic carbon (C _poc), and total suspended phosphorus (C _sp), on the one hand, and the relative water transparency determined through the Secchi disc depth (z _d), on the other, are analysed using the data compiled in the Guinean coastal waters (Tabunsu and Tonkima river estuaries) during November–December 1990. The functions ofC _ph,C _sm=f(z _d) are matched up with the experimentally derived data, as well as with the model bio-optical state of seawater. The general regression equation has been calculated using the data characteristic of various types of water.Translated by Vladimir A. Puchkin.     

Carbon and nitrogen isotope composition of particulate organic matter in relation to mucilage formation in the northern Adriatic Sea

Carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios of particulate organic matter (POM) were studied approximately weekly during spring and summer 2003 and 2004 in the Gulf of Trieste (northern Adriatic Sea) in order to track the temporal variations and differences between two years. In parallel, particulate organic carbon (POC) and particulate nitrogen (PN), phytoplankton biomass (chlorophyll a), and N and P nutrients were monitored. All studied parameters, especially N and P nutrients and chlorophyll a, showed higher concentrations and larger variability in spring 2004. As a consequence the macroaggregates were produced in late spring 2004. The C and N isotope composition of POM was not directly linked to phytoplankton biomass dynamics. The δ¹³C_POC values covaried with temperature. In 2004, δ¹³C_POC variations followed the δ¹⁵N_PN values as well as the δ¹³C_DIC values which were probably more dependent on the photosynthetic use of ¹²C. Variations in δ¹⁵N_POM values were most probably the consequence of variations in N nutrient sources used in phytoplankton assimilation. The significant correlation between δ¹⁵N_PN values and nitrate concentrations in 2004 implies intense nitrate assimilation in the presence of higher nitrate concentration. This suggests nitrate as the key nutrient in the »new primary production«, later producing macroaggregates with a mean δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N values of − 19‰ and 5‰, respectively. A low fractionation factor ε, < 1‰, lower than that reported in other marine and lacustrine systems, was found probably to be a consequence of distinct phytoplankton species, i.e. several classes of autotrophic nanoflagellates, and specific growth conditions present in the Gulf of Trieste. The tentative use of C isotope composition of POM revealed a higher contribution of allochthonous organic matter in 2004 compared to 2003 due to higher riverine inflow.     

Chemical determination of particulate nitrogen in San Francisco Bay. A comparison of two estimates

Particulate nitrogen was measured by both the ultra-violet light-catalyzed peroxide method and the high temperature combustion method. The difference between values obtained with the two methods (combustion minus UV) was found to be linearly correlated with the concentration of total suspended particulate matter (SPM) in the sample. The slope of this correlation was taken to be the concentration of refractory nitrogen associated with the suspended matter, which may be ammonium ions fixed in lattices of clay minerals or organic nitrogen compounds did not vary significantly with SPM, location, water depth or salinity. Refractory nitrogen concentration were possibly related to concentrations of chlorophyll a and to cruise date, but in neither case was the evidence conclusive. Based on the indirect evidence presented, the UV method appears to provide a good measure of biologically reactive nitrogen in this system.     

Spatial and temporal distribution of cadmium and copper in water and zooplankton in the Bahía Blanca estuary,Argentina

Cadmium and copper in the dissolved and particulate phase and in zooplankton were determined in the Bahía Blanca estuary during six surveys from March to December 2005. Temperature, pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen, suspended particulate matter, particulate organic matter and chlorophyll-a were also considered. Dissolved Cd was below the detection limit (0.2 μg L⁻¹) for almost the entire study period whereas Cu concentrations (0.5–2.4 μg L⁻¹) indicated a continuous dissolved Cu input. Particulate Cd concentrations ranged from below the detection limit (<0.01) to 28.6 μg g⁻¹ d.w. while particulate Cu ranged from below the detection limit (<0.04) to 53.5 μg g⁻¹ d.w. Cd in mesozooplankton ranged from below the detection limit (<0.01) to 37.4 μg g⁻¹ d.w. Some of the Cd levels were higher than those reported for other aquatic ecosystems. Cu in the mesozooplankton ranged from 1.3 to 89.3 μg g⁻¹ d.w., values which were within the reported values or higher than other studies. The log of the partition coefficients (log (K_d)) of Cd was 0.04, while log (K_d) for Cu ranged from −0.39 to 2.79. These values were lower than both those calculated for other estuaries and the typical coefficients for marine environments. The log of the bioconcentration factor (log BCF) of Cd was 1.78, indicating that Cd concentration was higher in the zooplankton than in the dissolved phase. Log BCF of Cu ranged from 1.15 to 3. The logs of the biomagnification factors (log BMF) of Cd were low, with a range between −3.45 and 2.21 and those for Cu ranged from −0.1 to 3.35. Positive values indicate biomagnification while negative values indicate biodiminution. In general, no significant dissolved Cd concentration appeared to be present in the Bahía Blanca estuary and Cu values did not indicate a critical environmental status. The particulate phase seemed to be the major carrier for Cd and Cu and TPCu values were within the normal values for an anthropogenically stressed estuary but not for a strongly polluted system. This fraction was the most important metal source for the mesozooplankton. Moreover, the highest metal concentrations were in the mesozooplankton since most of the bioconcentration and biomagnification factors were positive, especially for Cu.     

Bio-Optical Properties of Seawater in the Western Subarctic Gyre and Alaskan Gyre in the Subarctic North Pacific and the Southern Bering Sea during the Summer of 1997

Chlorophyll a concentrations (chla) and the absorption coefficients of total particulate matter [a _p()], phytoplankton [a _ph()], detritus [a _d()], and colored dissolved organic matter: CDOM [a _CDOM()] were measured in seawater samples collected in the subarctic North Pacific and the southern Bering Sea during the summer of 1997. We examined the specific spectral properties of absorption for each material, and compared the light fields in the Western subarctic Gyre (area WSG) with those in the Alaskan Gyre (area AG), and the southern Bering Sea (area SB). In the area WSG, the irradiance in the surface layer decreased markedly, indicating high absorption. In the area AG, the radiant energy penetrated deeply, and the chl a and absorption values were low throughout the water column. In the area SB, light absorption was high in the surface layer on the shelf edge and decreased with increasing depth; on the other hand, light absorption was low in the surface layer in the shelf area and increased with increasing depth.     

Spatial and temporal variability in bio-optical properties of the Wadden Sea

The Wadden Sea, a shallow coastal area bordering the North Sea, is optically a complex area due to its shallowness, high turbidity and fast changes in concentrations of optically active substances. This study gathers information from the area on concentrations of suspended particulate matter (SPM), Chlorophyll-a (Chl-a), and Coloured Dissolved Organic Matter (CDOM), on total absorption and beam attenuation, and on reflectances from the whole area. It examines the processes responsible for variations in these. Sampling took place at 156 stations in 2006 and 2007. At 37 locations also the specific inherent optical properties (SIOPs) were determined. Results showed large concentration ranges of 2–450 (g m^-3) for SPM, 2–67 (mg m^-3) for Chl-a, and 0–2.5 m⁻¹ for CDOM(440) absorption. Tides had a large influence on the SPM concentration, while Chl-a had a mainly seasonal pattern. Resuspension lead to a correlation between SPM and Chl-a. The absorption of CDOM had a spatial variability with extremely high values in the Dollard, although the slope of CDOM absorption spectra was comparable with that of the North Sea. The Chl-a specific pigment absorption proved to be influenced by phytoplankton species and specific absorption of non-algal particles at 440 nm was correlated with the mud content of the soil at the sample locations. SPM specific absorption was not found to correlate with any measured factor. As the concentrations of optically active substances changed, we also found spatial and temporal variability in the absorption, beam attenuation and reflectances. Reflectance spectra categorized in groups with decreasing station water depths and with extreme CDOM and SPM concentrations showed distinguishable shapes.     

Typhoon-induced precipitation impact on nutrient and suspended matter dynamics of a tropical estuary affected by human activities in Hainan,China

Typhoons regularly hit the coasts along the northern South China Sea during summer monsoon. However, little is known on the effects of typhoon-related heavy precipitation on estuarine dynamics and coastal ecosystems. We analyzed physico-chemical characteristics, and concentrations and composition of dissolved and suspended matter in the Wenchang/Wenjiao Estuary (WWE) on the tropical island of Hainan, China, prior to and after typhoon Kammuri in August 2008. Before the typhoon, the estuary displayed vertical and horizontal gradients. High nutrient inputs from agriculture and widespread aquaculture were to a large extent converted into biomass inside the estuarine lagoon resulting in low export of nutrients to coastal waters and a mainly autochthonous origin of total suspended matter (TSM). Heavy typhoon-associated precipitation increased river runoff, which moved the location of the estuarine salinity gradient seaward. It resulted in an export of dissolved and particulate matter to coastal waters one day after the typhoon. Dissolved nutrients increased by up to an order of magnitude and TSM increased approximately twofold compared to pre-typhoon values. Lower δ¹³C_org and δ¹⁵N and elevated C/N ratios of TSM together with lower chlorophyll a (chl a) concentrations indicated an increased contribution of terrestrial material originating from typhoon-induced soil erosion. Local uptake of excess nutrients inside the lagoon was inhibited because of reduced water transparency and the lack of phytoplankton, which had been washed out by the initial freshwater pulse. Two weeks after the typhoon, TSM concentration and composition had almost returned to pre-typhoon conditions. However, physico-chemical properties and nutrients were still different from pre-typhoon conditions indicating that the estuarine system had not fully recovered. Unusually high chl a concentrations in the coastal zone indicated a phytoplankton bloom resulting from the typhoon-induced nutrient export. The typhoon-induced flushing of the WWE resulted in hyposalinity, reduced water transparency, siltation, as well as temporary eutrophication of coastal waters. These are physiological stressors, which are known to impair the performance of adjacent seagrass meadows and coral reefs. The predicted increase in typhoon frequency and intensity will lead to a frequently recurring exposure of coastal ecosystems to these threats, particularly in the South China Sea region where aquaculture is widespread and tropical cyclone frequency is at a maximum.     

An optical model for the remote sensing of coloured dissolved organic matter in coastal/ocean waters

An optical model is developed for the remote sensing of coloured dissolved organic matter (CDOM) in a wide range of waters within coastal and open ocean environments. The absorption of CDOM (denoted as a_g) is generally considered as an exponential form model, which has two important parameters – the slope S and absorption of CDOM at a reference wavelength a_g(λ₀). The empirical relationships for deriving these two parameters are established using in-situ bio-optical datasets. These relationships use the spectral remote sensing reflectance (R_rs) ratio at two wavelengths R_rs(670)/R_rs(490), which avoids the known atmospheric correction problems and is sensitive to CDOM absorption and chlorophyll in coastal/ocean waters. This ratio has tight relationships with a_g(412) and a_g(443) yielding correlation coefficients between 0.77 and 0.78. The new model, with the above parameterization applied to independent datasets (NOMAD SeaWiFS match-ups and Carder datasets), shows good retrievals of the a_g(λ) with regression slopes close to unity, little bias and low mean relative and root mean square errors. These statistical estimates improve significantly over other inversion models (e.g., Linear Matrix-LM and Garver-Siegel-Maritorena-GSM semi-analytical models) when applied to the same datasets. These results demonstrate a good performance of the proposed model in both coastal and open ocean waters, which has the potential to improve our knowledge of the biogeochemical cycles and processes in these domains.     

Light absorption by phytoplankton,non-algal particles and dissolved organic matter at the Patagonia shelf-break in spring and summer

Satellite image studies and recent in situ sampling have identified conspicuous phytoplankton blooms during spring and summer along the Patagonia shelf-break front. The magnitudes and spectral characteristics of light absorption by total particulate matter (phytoplankton and detritus) and colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) have been determined by spectrophotometry in that region for spring 2006 and late summer 2007 seasons. In spring, phytoplankton absorption was the dominant optical component of light absorption (60–85%), and CDOM showed variable and important contributions in summer (10–90%). However, there was a lack of correlation between phytoplankton biomass (chlorophyll-a concentration or [chl a]) and the non-algal compartment in both periods. A statistically significant difference was found between the two periods with respect to the CDOM spectral shape parameter (S_cdom), with means of 0.015 (spring) and 0.012 nm^?1 (summer). Nonetheless, the mean S_cdm values, which describe the slope of detritus plus CDOM spectra, did not differ between the periods (average of 0.013 nm^?1). Phytoplankton absorption values in this work showed deviations from mean parameterizations in previous studies, with respect to [chl a], as well as between the two study periods. In spring, despite the microplankton dominance, high specific absorption values and large dispersion were found (a*_ph(440)=0.04±0.03 m² mg [chl a]^?1), which could be attributed to an important influence of photo-protector accessory pigments. In summer, deviations from general trends, with values of a*_ph(440) even higher (0.09±0.02 m² mg [chl a]^?1), were due to the dominance of small cell sizes and also to accessory pigments. These results highlight the difficulty in deriving robust relationships between chlorophyll concentration and phytoplankton absorption coefficients regardless of the season period. The validity of a size parameter (S_f) derived from the absorption spectra has been demonstrated and was shown to describe the size structure of phytoplankton populations, independently of pigment concentration, with mean values of 0.41 in spring and 0.72 in summer. Our results emphasize the need for specific parameterization for the study region and seasonal sampling approach in order to model the inherent optical properties from water reflectance signatures.     

Ocean Color Satellite Imagery and Shipboard Measurements of Chlorophyll a and Suspended Particulate Matter Distribution in the East China Sea

Satellite-derived ocean color data of Coastal Zone Color Scanner (CZCS) on board the Nimbus-7 and Ocean Color and Temperature Scanner (OCTS) on board the Advanced Earth Observing Satellite (ADEOS) are jointly used with historical in situ data to examine seasonal and spatial distributions of chlorophyll a (Chl-a) and suspended particulate matter (SPM) concentrations in the East China Sea. Ocean color imagery showed that Chl-a concentrations on the continental shelf were higher than those of the Kuroshio area throughout the year. Satellite-derived Chl-a concentrations are generally in good accordance with historical in situ values during spring through autumn (although no shipboard in situ measurement was conducted at nearshore areas). In contrast, ocean color imagery in winter indicated high Chl-a concentrations (4–10 mg m^–3) on the continental shelf where bottom depth was less than 50 m when surface water was turbid (2–72 g m^–3 of SPM at surface), while historical in situ values were usually less than 1 mg m^–3. This suggests that resuspended bottom sediment due to wind-driven mixing and winter cooling is responsible for the noticeable overestimation of satellite-derived Chl-a concentrations. The algorithm for ocean color needs to be improved urgently for turbid water.     

Organic tracers from biomass burning in atmospheric particulate matter over the ocean

Particulate matter from the atmosphere over the Atlantic Ocean along the South American and African Continents has been analyzed for organic tracers from natural and biomass burning emissions. The major biomarker compounds characterized are natural products from continental vegetation consisting primarily of epicuticular wax components. For example, n-alkanes ranged from C₂₅ to C₃₅, with an odd carbon number predominance and carbon maxima (C_max) at 29 or 31. Concentrations of n-alkanes varied from 0.3 to 680 ng/m³. Nevertheless, n-alkanols are the dominant terrestrial tracers in almost all samples (concentrations from 0.1 to 780 ng/m³) and ranged from C₂₂ to C₃₄ with an even carbon number predominance. Despite the major presence of the natural tracers, organic components from biomass burning emissions are also present in the particulate matter. The major tracers from this source are thermal degradation products from the biopolymer cellulose, namely the dianhydromonosaccharide derivatives levoglucosan, galactosan, and mannosan. In general, the concentrations of levoglucosan, the major derivative from this source in all samples, varied from 0.0008 to 0.15 ng/m³ in atmospheric samples collected over the ocean and from 0.04 to 4860 ng/m³ in terrestrial particulate matter, used as reference in this study. Dehydroabietic acid, another marker compound emitted from burning of Gymnosperm fuel, is also detectable in most oceanic samples at concentrations ranging from 0.0001 to 0.4 ng/m³, whereas in terrestrial aerosol particulate matter, this component is present at much higher concentrations (0.23–440 ng/m³). The presence of these tracers in atmospheric particulate matter over the ocean confirms the long-range transport of smoke from biomass burning off the continents.     

Seasonal dynamics of light absorption by chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) in the NW Mediterranean Sea (BOUSSOLE site)

We analyze a two-year time-series of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) light absorption measurements in the upper 400 m of the water column at the BOUSSOLE site in the NW Mediterranean Sea. The seasonal dynamics of the CDOM light absorption coefficients at 440 nm (a_cdom(440)) is essentially characterized by (i) subsurface maxima forming in spring and progressively reinforcing throughout summer, (ii) impoverishment in the surface layer throughout summer and (iii) vertical homogeneity in winter. Seasonal variations of the spectral dependence of CDOM absorption, as described by the exponential slope value (S_cdom), are characterized by highest values in summer and autumn at the surface and low values at the depths of a_cdom(440) subsurface maxima or just below them. Variations of a_cdom(440) are likely controlled by microbial digestion of phytoplankton cells, which leads to CDOM production, and by photochemical destruction (photobleaching), which leads to CDOM degradation. Photobleaching is also the main driver of S_cdom variations. Consistently with previous observations, a_cdom(440) for a given chlorophyll a concentration is higher than expected from Case I waters bio-optical models. The total non-water light absorption budget shows that surface waters at the BOUSSOLE site are largely dominated by CDOM during all seasons but the algal bloom in March and April. These results improve the knowledge of CDOM absorption dynamics in the Mediterranean Sea, which is scarcely documented. In addition, they open the way to improved algorithms for the retrieval of CDOM absorption from field or satellite radiometric measurements.