Observations on the Concentration of iron in Sea Water, With Particular Reference to Southampton Water

Abstract

Determinations have been made of paniculate iron in samples collected from Southampton Water over a period of 2 years. Concentrations of 106–1046 ug/l. were found. Total amounts of paniculate matter ranged from 1·3 to 48·6 mg/1., of which iron constituted 0–5–14%. Amounts of paniculate matter and paniculate iron showed a highly significant correlation. For one station where wind-speed data were available there was a highly significant correlation between the amount of particulate matter and the mean daily wind speed for the 4 days prior to sampling. No clearly defined seasonal variation in the amounts of particulate matter or particulate iron was found. The concentration of particulate iron in the estuary appeared to be dominantly controlled by meteorological and hydrological factors.