ISSN:
0268-2605
Keywords:
arsenic speciation
;
seasonal change
;
methylarsenical
;
seawater
;
sediment
;
biological activity
;
Chemistry
;
Industrial Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Chemistry and Pharmacology
Notes:
The distribution of arsenic species, including trivalent methylarsenicals, was observed in coastal seawater of Tosa Bay and Uranouchi Inlet Japan. In Tosa Bay, most arsenic was dissolved in the inorganic form throughout the year and the concentration of total dissolved arsenic was higher than that in Uranouchi Inlet. The sum of methylarsenicals found in surface waters comprised 2-25% and 10-82% of the total dissolved arsenic in Tosa Bay and Uranouchi Inlet, respectively. In Uranouchi Inlet, seasonal variations in the concentrations of arsenicals were observed both in the water column and in surface sediments. The maximum concentrations of methylarsenicals appeared during summer, and became comparable to those of inorganic arsenicals in surface water. The concentration of trivalent methylarsenicals was usually low, and their seasonal changes seemed to be independent of those of the pentavalent species. The variations in methylarsenic(V) concentration did not coincide with those of chlorophyll a in either Tosa Bay or Uranouchi Inlet. These results suggested that methylarsenic(V) in natural waters was produced not directly by the activity of phytoplankton but through decomposition of organic matter by bacteria.
Additional Material:
7 Ill.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
