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Handling and measurement techniques for anoxic interstitial waters

Nature volume 295, pages 582–583 (1982)Cite this article

Abstract

Reports on problems associated with sampling, handling and measuring interstitial waters1–5 have led to a refinement in methodology, but apart from the introduction of in situ sampling, techniques have not fundamental changed. The in situ techniques include a hydraulically operated device for filtering samples at pre-selected sediment depths on the ocean floor6,7, and the insertion of dialysis membranes into sediments where they are left to equilibrate8,9. The former method requires specialized unwieldy equipment, and the latter necessitates a return to the sampling site. We report here a new method for measuring Fe (II), Mn (II) and sulphide ions in the interstitial waters of anoxic sediments which have been sampled using a simple corer. Rapid filtration directly into a polarographic vessel permits the extraction of interstitial water and the measurement of all three components <5 min after subsampling the sediment. The non-destructive polarographic measurement is able to assess the extent of contamination by oxygen and to study subsequent reactions in the interstitial water.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Freshwater Biological Association, Windermere Laboratory, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0LP, UK

    W. Davison & C. Woof

  2. Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, The Laboratory, Citadel Hill, Plymouth, PL1 2PB, UK

    D. R. Turner

Authors
  1. W. Davison
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  2. C. Woof
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  3. D. R. Turner
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Davison, W., Woof, C. & Turner, D. Handling and measurement techniques for anoxic interstitial waters. Nature 295, 582–583 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1038/295582a0

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