Marine trace element geochemistry: The importance of particles in surface waters of the Atlantic, the North Sea and the Baltic

The present thesis on the geochemistry of trace elements near the ocean's surface consists of a new development for the collection of particulates from seawater by large-volume centrifugation from within an integrated pumping system at low contamination levels, and improved particle digestion procedures. Data obtained during three field experiments are presented. A total of 33 elements was determined by means of atomic absorption and plasma emission spectroscopy and mass spectrometry (Al, Ba, Be, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, P, Si, Sr, Ti, V, Zn, and the rare earth elements). This is an initial presentation of rare earth element contents in marine suspended particles. (orig.)