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Project title

Analysis of Trace Metals in Seawater for Marine Research

Primary Funding Agency

Marine Institute

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG)

Lead Applicant

n/a

Project Abstract

Funds are requested for the purchase of a seaFAST sampling system for preconcentrating trace metals from seawater for analysis via integration with ICP-MS or other detection systems. The acquisition of a seaFAST system will greatly facilitate the development of an integrated biogeochemical program along the west coast of Ireland and in the North East Atlantic focused on the temporal and spatial distribution of trace metals in this region and their sources and sinks and in particular the role that they play in primary productivity and phytoplankton community composition. It is also planned that the use of the seaFAST system will also provide a marine extension to the current GSI Tellus program - where measurements from offshore and coastal waters will allow examination of the impact of coastal runoff and near shore geology on trace element distributions in coastal waters. In this context it can also supply contemporary data on elemental concentrations and distributions for samples collected as aids to interpreting paleo record from cold water corals or marine sediments. As the seaFAST system is already in use by many GEOTRACES research groups, there is a significant knowledge base to draw on and potential partners for fostering international collaboration and performing intercalibration activities. The seaFAST system will also allow determination at baseline levels of contaminant metals in seawater and thus help to address and inform aspects of Good Environmental Status (GES) in Irish waters, as prescribed under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) descriptor 8(as per EU 2017/848: 17 May 2017).

Grant Approved

�58,970.00

Research Hub

n/a

Research Theme

Ireland's Future Climate, its Impacts, and Adaptation Options

Start Date

01/12/2017

Initial Projected Completion Date

29/11/2018