Iron distributions in surface waters of the south Atlantic

Total dissolvable iron in surface waters of the south Atlantic was measured using a flow injection analytical system with chemiluminescent detection and preconcentration onto 8-hydroxyquinoline resin. Surface water iron concentrations range from less than 0.5 nM to 10 nM. Results indicate that very high iron concentrations in the surface seawater are possible due to high atmospheric input and upwelling. The dual input mechanism is supported by correlations with Al, particulate matter and nutrients.