Atomic-absorption Analysis of a Few Trace Metals in Arabian Sea Waters

295-299Analysis of Cu, Fe, Zn, Co, Ni and Mn in dissolved and particulate forms from the Arabian Sea are reported. Average concentrations (mu g/litre) in dissolved form for all the samples are: Cu 4.9 plus or minus 0.3; Fe 20 plus or minus 2.3; Zn19.2 plus or minus 1.8 plus or minus 0.3 and Ni 3.2 plus or minus 0.3; Co 2.2 plus or minus. Averages for particulate forms in mu g/g dry weight are: Cu 250 plus or minus 43; Fe 12007 plus or minus 43; Fe 12007 plus or minus 3048; Zn29745 plus or minus 9959 and Mn 431 plus or minus 128. Dissolved manganese can not be analysed by the method used while particulate forms of cobalt and nickel are below the detection limit. Higher concentrations at a few stations nearshore indicate possible addition from land. An attempt has been made to discuss the marine chemistry of all these metals in the light of observed values