Modular ocean trace elements sampling for the international GEOTRACES studies – Evidence from analysis of dissolved Fe and Pb

A new modular system was reported in this paper for the purpose of sampling and processing of trace elements in the open ocean. The idea of designing is based on the concept of assembly and combination, which is so called “Modular Ocean Trace Elements Sampling” (MOTES). In application, the system is tested during a cruise in the Subtropical Pacific Ocean between 140° E to 142° E, and between 6° N and 20° N, with sampling water depth down to 7000 m. The results provide evidences for low procedural blanks and good reproducibility in repeated samplings through the entire water column for trace elements work. Data illustrate low, reproducible and representative concentrations of dissolved Fe (dFe) and Pb (dPb) compared to the results reported in the literature and show the consistency of oceanographic profiles in sub-basin-wide spatial dimensions.