Working group: Trace Metals

Scientific Topics

Trace Metals

Beside the analysis in the trace metal monitoring and quality assurance of analytical measurements, also unusual events like the flood catastrophe of the Oder river (Oder Flood) in 1997 are investigated.

Further on studies of the geochemical cycling and processes of trace metals in the dissolved and particulate bounded phases at boundary layers (Halocline and Redox interface) or the transport and modification of trace metals in transition areas (Land Ocean Interactions) in Baltic Sea waters are of special scientific interest.

 Balances of trace metals (Cd, Pb, Cu and Zn) in the Gotland Sea should give detailed information about the fluxes from surface waters through the halocline into the deep water body.

 Accompanying studies are the speciation of redox sensitive and other metals in the water column and at the redox interface and the coupling of long-term trace metal trends to seasonal internal trace metal fluxes at the oxic-anoxic interface in the Gotland Basin. 

Eutrophication, one of the main problems in the Baltic Sea, is reinforced by the annual appearance of diazotrophic cyanobacteria blooms in the central Baltic Sea. These blooms have been increased in intensity, frequency and area during the last ten years. Iron is an important micronutrient for the growth of cyanobacteria and possibly a promoting factor for their growth during summer time.

The IRON-project focuses on the distribution and speciation of iron between oxic and anoxic conditions, the Fe(III) reduction to soluble Fe(II) in anoxic deeper waters, and its possible diffusion to surface layers in the water column of the central Baltic Sea.

Further investigations in the framework of climate relevant micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Co) are carried out in the surface waters of the "Southern Ocean" (homepage: sail&research).