Composition of particulate matter from surface seawater

Chemical composition of aggregates obtained by aeration of filtered water and composition of natural marine particulate matter filtered in advance from the same water samples are studied. Formation of aggregates is accompanied by transfer of many compounds and chemical elements from solution into particulate form. C_org., C_lip., total carbohydrate, N_org , P_org, Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn were determined inthe aggregates and suspended matter. Amounts of certain compounds and elements differed in the aggregates and natural waters. Organic matter of the aggregates was richer than natural particulate matter in lipids, organic phosphorus, Zn and Cu and was somewhat poorer in carbohydrates and organic nitrogen. Concentrations of Fe and Mn were about the same in the aggregates and the particulate matter.