| Abstract: | In the anoxic hypersaline Tyro and Bannock Basins of the eastern Mediterranean, extremely high concentrations of Co (0.015%), Cu (1.35%) and Zn (0.28%) were found in suspended matter collected at the sharp interface between seawater and the anoxic brine. The high particulate Co, Cu and Zn concentrations can be explained by the sharp increase in dissolved sulphide at these interfaces, and the resultant precipitation of metal sulphides. The particulate As, Sb and Mo concentrations also showed a sharp maximum at or close to the interface. However, the contributions of As, Sb and Mo contents in suspended matter to the total concentrations in the water column are small. Scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDAX) of suspended particulate matter from the Tyro Basin revealed spherical particles strongly enriched in Fe, Cu and Zn at the seawater-brine interface. |
