Labile metals seawater

Because of differing sensitivities and the natural levels of free metal or the anodic scanning voltammetric labile metal, cadmium, and copper in seawater are analysed using a 10 minute plating time, a -1.0V plating potential, and scanning in 6.67 mV/s increments. Zinc determinations can be made on a fresh aliquot of sample to eliminate any possible effects due to Cu-Zn inter-... 

Batley and Matousek [390,778] examined the electrodeposition of the irreversibly reduced metals cobalt, nickel, and chromium on graphite tubes for measurement by electrothermal atomisation. This method offered considerable potential for contamination-free preconcentration of heavy metals from seawater. Although only labile metal species will electrodeposit, it is likely that this fraction of the total metal could yet prove to be the most biologically important at the natural pH [779]. 

Electro-active labile metal contents have also been measured by using a combination of electro-deposition and analysis by graphite furnace AAS (Batley and Matousek, 1977). Metals (e.g. Pb, Co, Ni, Cr from seawater) are plated on to a short graphite tube by application of a suitable potential. At the end of the electrolysis period, the graphite cell (plus pre-concentrated metal) is placed in an electro-thermal atomiser attached to an AAS spectrometer, and the element content determined. 

Nowadays, not only Fe but other trace metals as well, for example, Mn, Co, or Cu, are thought to limit primary production. It is thus a real challenge for oceanographers not just to assess correctly the very low levels of Fe and Mn in the oceans but also to carry out the speciation of these elements (total dissolved concentrations are at the nM level, labile forms oxidation states in natural aquatic systems Fe(II), which is readily soluble, and Fe(III), which is almost insoluble. Flowever, both Fe ions can form diverse complexes with organic ligands with different labilities and solubilities, and colloidal particles, which are also considered part of the dissolved phase. Manganese also exists in two oxidation states in aquatic systems soluble Mn(II) and insoluble Mn(IV) both are present in a dynamic cycle in seawater. The nonlabile Mn pool consists of oxidized Mn(IV) species, but these can be photochemically reduced and thus solubilized.23... 

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