Temporal distribution of metals in marine total suspended particulate of the Socheongcho Ocean Research Stations (S-ORS) in the Yellow Sea

Abstract

Recently, The significance of continential weathering products input via the atmosphere to the ocean has been highlighted. Atmospheric aerosols of various origins not only cause global climate change by scattering and absorbing light, but also affect the marine ecosystem and human health. The intrest of aerosol and marine scientists has turned to Asian dust (Yellow dust) occuring in China and Mongolia. Korea and the Yellow Sea are located relatively close to the source of the Asian dust, which is a geographical situation that is heavily affected. In order to investigate the pollution level of Asian dust and influence of ocean flow, total suspended particulate (TSP) samples were collected from the top of S-ORSin the Yellow Sea using high volume aerosol sampler (HV-1000F, Shibata, Japan) with Whatman 41 filter paper. A total of 53 TSP samples were collected in 2017. Intensive sampling was conducted in spring (Mar.-May, 44 samples) with frequent Asian dust events. 33 elements were analyzed using a ICP-MS after mixed acid decomposition. Al showed the highest average concentration (5,041 μg/m3) and Yb was the lowest average concentration (0.1461 μg/m3). Overall, the highest metalconcentrations were observed at the time of yellow dust, but there was a difference in the highest metal concentrations. The enrichment factor (EF) was more than 10 in 12 elements such as Se, Cd, Sb, As, Sb, Pb, Mo, Zn, Sn, V, Ni, Cu and Tl