Distribution of trace metals in the Sulu Sea and the adjacent seas

Abstract

Distribution of trace metals in seawater can keenly reflect physical, chemical and biological processes occurring in the ocean. The Sulu Sea (the Phillipines) is a semi-enclosed basin enclosed by shallow sills, showing quite different characteristics from those of open sea in terms of inputs of lithogenic materials and deep water circulation. However, few sutides have been made for distribution of trace metals in the Sulu Sea. In this study, we will reveal the distribution of trace metals, such as Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb in the Sulu Sea, and its adjacent seas, the Celebes Sea, South China Sea and western part of the Northwest Pacific.