Interactions Among Ligand Production, Chemical Complexation and Speciation, Algal Accumulation, And Sediment-Water Cycling Of Toxic Metals In A Major US Naval Harbor (Elizabeth River, VA)

In conjunction with other ONR HP investigators, we are performing an integrated study of the biogeochemical cycling of Cu, Cd, Zn, and Mn in the water column and sediments of a major US Naval harbor, the Elizabeth River (VA). We are studying the interrelationships among: (1) trace metal concentrations, complexation and speciation (Donat); (2) in situ production of Cu chelators by natural microbial populations (in collaboration with A. Gordon/J. Donat [ODU]); (3) phytoplankton metal uptake (in collaboration with W. Sunda/S. Huntsman [NOAA]); and (4) fluxes of metals and chelators from sediments (Donat and Burdige).