Oceanography

Trace elements in sea water

Trace elements are all chemical ingredients that occur in minute quantities in the ocean. Most trace elements, such as manganese (Mn), Lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), gold (Au), iodine(I), and iron (Fe), occur in concentrations of less than 1 ppm (part per million). Many occur in quantities of less than 1 part per billion (ppb) and even at 1 part per trillion. These low concentrations make certain trace elements difficult and sometimes even impossible to detect in seawater. However, despite their extremely low concentrations, trace elements can be critically important for marine organisms, Trace elements either help to promote life or kill life (toxicity).

                                   List of trace Elements

Trace Element	Concentration(ppb)*
Lithium(Li)	170
Iodine (I)	60
Molybdenum (Mo)	10
Zinc (Zn)	10
Iron (Fe)	10
Aluminium (Al)	10
Copper(Cu)	3
Manganese(Mn)	2
Cobalt (Co)	0.1
Lead (Pb)	0.03
Mercury (Hg)	0.03
Gold(Au)	0.004

*ppb – Parts per billion