Sectional Distribution Patterns of Cd, Ni, Zn, and Cu in the North Pacific Ocean: Relationships to Nutrients and Importance of Scavenging

The North Pacific Ocean is located at the end of thermohaline circulation deep water. This study reports on basin-scale full-depth sectional distributions total dissolvable (td), dissolved (d), and labile particulate (lp) Cd, Ni, Zn, Cu along three transects: GEOTRACES transects GP18 (165°E) GP02 (47°N), 160°W. We find that scavenging an important factor significantly affects dZn, dNi, dCu, which magnitude influence increases in order Cd < Zn Cu. relationships between four metals with Si(OH)4 PO4 differed considerably from those other oceans. spot concentration ratio dCd/PO4 was 0.34 ± 0.02 nmol/μmol (n = 296) waters >800 m deep, range phytoplankton Cd/P ratio. indicative dominant effect water biological processes dCd distribution. (dMs) to ratios examined were either partially or completely outside typical biomass ratios. They generally increased depth deep; increase highest for moderate Ni Zn. Below 800 m, apparent oxygen utilization 150 300 μmol/kg concurrent a decrease dMs/PO4 ratios: 4 3% 21 4% 69 7%