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Biological transport of zinc‐65 into the deep sea 1
Author(s) -
Pearcy W. G.,
Krygier E. E.,
Cutshall N. H.
Publication year - 1977
Publication title -
limnology and oceanography
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.7
H-Index - 197
eISSN - 1939-5590
pISSN - 0024-3590
DOI - 10.4319/lo.1977.22.5.0846
Subject(s) - benthic zone , zinc , pellets , pelagic zone , environmental science , oceanography , chemistry , geology , organic chemistry
The specific activities of zinc‐65 ( 65 Zn: Zn) in pelagic and benthic animals collected off Oregon were correlated with depth of capture to estimate vertical biological transport rates. Results suggest that about 2 yr are required for transport of 65 Zn from near‐surface to abyssobenthic animals. Vertical transport appears to be slower in upper waters, suggesting recycling of zinc within biological communities, and more rapid below 500 m. The long vertical transport time for zinc contrasts with the shorter times estimated for transport of zinc and other elements by fecal pellets. This raises questions about the importance of fecal pellets as a rapid transport mechanism for biologically required materials into the deep sea.