Trace metals and persistent organic pollutants fingerprint on the particle flux in the deep subtropical NE Atlantic. (August 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Stern, J.; Kaiser, D.; Przibilla, A.; Schulz-Bull, D.E.; Waniek, J.J.
• Is Part Of: Marine pollution bulletin. Volume 145(2019)
• Page Start: 508
• Page End: 516
• Publication Date: 2019-08
• Subjects: Particle flux -- Trace metals -- Persistent organic pollutants -- Northeast Atlantic; Marine pollution -- Periodicals; Marine Biology -- Periodicals; Water Pollution -- Periodicals; Mer -- Pollution -- Périodiques; Publications périodiques; Pollution des mers; Lutte antipollution; Electronic journals; 363.7394
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.06.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-326X

Abstract

Abstract: Particle flux material collected in 2000 m depth in the Northeast Atlantic at 33°N and 22°W was analyzed for trace metals and persistent organic pollutants. Element enrichment factors relative to lithogenic Al were elevated indicating possible anthropogenic contributions for all trace metals except V. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls and the pesticide DDT exhibited median fluxes of 10.40 μg m −2 d −1, 0.29 μg m −2 d −1, and 0.90 μg m −2 d −1, respectively. Flux composition reflected long range transport, with low molecular weight and low-chlorinated compounds dominating ∑15 PAH and ∑23 PCB. PAH isomer ratios identified fossil fuel combustion as the main ∑15 PAH source. The composition of ∑4 DDT suggested inputs of the fresh technical pesticide during high dust intensity periods. Pollutant fluxes showed seasonality linked to export production in the region, as well as a dependence on annual and sub-annual dust input events. Highlights: Pollutant fluxes showed seasonality linked to export production and depend on annual and sub-annual dust input events. Trace elements seasonality is linked to lithogenic fraction of particle flux via Saharan dust at Kiel 276. Elevated EFs and excess fluxes indicate biogenic sources with anthropogenic contributions for all trace metals except V. POP flux composition reflected long range transport, dominated by low molecular weight and low-chlorinated compounds. PAH isomer ratios identified fossil fuel combustion as the main ∑15 PAH source. The composition of ∑4 DDT suggested inputs of the fresh technical pesticide brought to NEA during high dust intensity periods.