Biological transport of zinc-65 into the deep sea

Journal Article · Thu Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1977 · Limnol. Oceanogr.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.4319/lo.1977.22.5.0846· OSTI ID:5341186

Pearcy, W G; Krygier, E E; Cutshall, N H

The specific activities of zinc-65 (/sup 65/Zn:Zn) in pelagic and benthic animals collected off Oregon were correlated with depth of capture to estimate vertical biological transport rates. Results suggest that about 2 yr are required for transport of /sup 65/Zn from near-surface to abyssobenthic animals. Vertical transport appears to be slower in upper waters, suggesting recycling of zinc within biological communities, and more rapid below 500 m. The long vertical transport time for zinc contrasts with the shorter times estimated for transport of zinc and other elements by fecal pellets. This raises questions about the importance of fecal pellets as a rapid transport mechanism for biologically required materials into the deep sea.

• Research Organization: Oregon State Univ., Corvallis
• OSTI ID: 5341186
• Journal Information: Limnol. Oceanogr.; (United States), Journal Name: Limnol. Oceanogr.; (United States) Vol. 22:5; ISSN LIOCA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

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54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS
BENTHOS
BETA DECAY RADIOISOTOPES
BETA-PLUS DECAY RADIOISOTOPES
DAYS LIVING RADIOISOTOPES
DISTRIBUTION
ECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
ECOSYSTEMS
ELECTRON CAPTURE RADIOISOTOPES
ELEMENTS
EVEN-ODD NUCLEI
INTERMEDIATE MASS NUCLEI
ISOTOPES
METALS
NORTH AMERICA
NUCLEI
NUTRIENTS
OREGON
PELLETS
RADIOECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
RADIOISOTOPES
RADIONUCLIDE KINETICS
SEAS
SURFACE WATERS
USA
ZINC 65
ZINC ISOTOPES