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0700S Discrete CTD Inorganic Nutrient Sampling Document

Originator's Protocol for Data Acquisition and Analysis

Sample collection

An occupation of the Extended Ellett Line (stations A to S) was carried out as part of FRV Scotia cruise 0700S. 10 CTD casts in total were performed on the transect between 17-19 May 2000. Discrete dissolved inorganic nutrients were drawn from water bottles fired at a range of depths during these casts.

Dissolved silicate, nitrate and phosphate, were collected in plastic bottles and stored on ice until analysis, which occurred within 10 hours of sample collection.

Sample analysis

The unfiltered samples were analysed on board via continuous flow analysis using a QuAAtro autoanalyser or a SPX Bran+Luebbe colorimetric Autoanalyser 3.

The samples were calibrated against stock solutions of nitrite, nitrate and phosphate and a lab prepared stock solution of silicate. These stocks were diluted into a mixed working stock each day of analysis in nutrient depleted sea water and further dilution to this daily stock with additional nutrient depleted sea water gave the working calibrants.

The full methods for nutrient analysis were supplied to BODC by the data originator.

BODC Data Processing Procedures

Inorganic nutrient data, together with associated metadata, were supplied to BODC in Excel format during June 2014. Values were extracted and loaded into BODC's database under the ORACLE Relational Database Management System. Data that were considered unrealistic were flagged suspect.

The inorganic nutrient data performed during the rest of the cruise were also supplied to BODC. These are held in our secure archive and are available upon request.

Content of data series

Originator's Parameter Unit Description BODC Parameter code BODC Unit Comments
Si µg-at/l Concentration of silicate {SiO 4 } per unit volume of the water body [dissolved plus reactive particulate phase] by colorimetric autoanalysis SLCAAATX µmol/l µg-at/l = µmol/l, no unit conversion necessary
NO 3 µg-at/l Concentration of nitrate+nitrite {NO 3 +NO 2 } per unit volume of the water body [dissolved plus reactive particulate phase] by colorimetric autoanalysis NTRZAATX µmol/l µg-at/l = µmol/l, no unit conversion necessary
PO 4 µg-at/l Concentration of phosphate {PO 4 } per unit volume of the water body [dissolved plus reactive particulate phase] by colorimetric autoanalysis PHOSAATX µmol/l µg-at/l = µmol/l, no unit conversion necessary