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Controlling mechanisms for the trace metals, (Cu, Zn, Cd, Fe, Co and Ni) in anoxic sea water in Saanich Inlet, British Columbia, Canada

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Abstract

A study was conducted on Cu, Zn, Cd, Fe, Co and Ni levels in Saanich Inlet anoxic seawater. Data on the concentration of these trace metals and H2S, and other oceanographic parameters were obtained in four cruises.

Equilibrium models are presented together with in situ data. The results strongly support the assumption that the solubilities of Cu, Zn, Cd, Fe, Co and Ni are controlled by bisulfide and/or polysulfide complexes. The species of Cu, Zn, Cd and Ni are shown to be Cu(S4) 3−2 and Cu(Sn4S5)3−, Zn(HS) 02 and ZnHS −2 , Cd(HS) 02 and Ni(HS) 02 , respectively. The solid species controlling Fe2+ and Co2+ are respectively the pyrohotites FeS and CoS. The data illustrates that thermodynamic equilibrium has been established in the H2S-controlled seawater of Saanich Inlet, and that equilibrium has not been established in the H2S−O2-coexisted seawater of Saanich Inlet. The lack of equilibrium in the H2S−O2-coexisted seawater is a result of the flushing or mixing of oxygenated seawater with anoxic water. The new species of trace metals are still in the processes of reduction and precipitation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Oceanology, Academia Sinica, Qingdao

    Zhan Binqiu

  2. Institute of Ocean Science, Canada

    Wong C. S. & Johnson W. K.

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  1. Zhan Binqiu
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  2. Wong C. S.
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  3. Johnson W. K.
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Contribution No. 1428 from Institute of Oceanology, Academia Sinica

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Binqiu, Z., Wong, C.S. & Johnson, W.K. Controlling mechanisms for the trace metals, (Cu, Zn, Cd, Fe, Co and Ni) in anoxic sea water in Saanich Inlet, British Columbia, Canada. Chin. J. Ocean. Limnol. 5, 193–204 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02843983

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02843983

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