Expedition to Gulf of Finland

Expedition to Gulf of Finland

Expedition to Gulf of Finland

In August 2023, we went on a cruise to the Gulf of Finland. The surveys were carried out by the Estonian multipurpose vessel EVA 316. We investigated the seafloor of the Gulf of Finland by remotely operated vehicle (ROV). Beata Szymczycha, Przemysław Makuch and Aivo Lepland collected water, sediment and manganese concretions.

 

DOC analysis

DOC analysis

DOC analysis

Variable fluxes of dissolved organic carbon species (DOC) due to the interaction between groundwater discharge and development of permafrost can potentially disturb the carbon cycle as well as biogeochemistry in the bottom water. For this reason, we also measure DOC concentration. The DOC analysis are performed in TOC-L analyzer (Shimadzu). In order to remove inorganic carbon a filtered and acidified water sample, before measurement, is sparged with synthetic air. The method is based on oxidation method with Pt catalyst in high temperature (680°C). Non-purgeable organic carbon compounds are combusted and converted to CO2, which is detected by a nondispersive infrared detector (NDIR). Person responsible for these analysis is Aleksandra Winogradow, Ph.D. .

Lofoten cruise

Lofoten cruise

Lofoten cruise

The research vessel GO Sars belongs to the Institute of Marine Research and the University of Bergen, and was hired to carry out our expedition to the Lofoten seepage area. At each station, first, the crew started with a diving ROV to look at the sea floor to find a seepage area on the continental slope. Subsequently, sediment samples were collected using a push corer and ROV for marine biogeochemistry investigation. Finally, sea floor photo mosaic and water column sampling are implemented. Fot. NGU 

 

Nutrients analysis

Nutrients analysis

Nutrients analysis

The ArcticSGD project investigates all aspects of submarine groundwater discharge (SGD), as an essential component of biogeochemical budgets. Fresh SGD is a source of new nutrients, and the study of nutrients helps to understand nutrient cycles (recycled nutrients from sediments or new nutrients from groundwater) in the European arctic. We collected 600 samples from seawater and porewater in Hornsund, Kongsfjorden, Krossfjorden, Isfjorden, and Norwegian fjords. 500 samples are analyzed at biogeochemistry laboratory in IOPAN and remind of samples are analyzing soon. We will collect nutrients samples during the next cruise to Lofoten, from seawater and porewater to study SGD and the nutrients cycle in the canyons. Video Reza Saghravani

Lofoten-Vesterålen cruise

Lofoten-Vesterålen cruise

Lofoten-Vesterålen cruise

We are prepared for our second cruise in the Lofoten-Vesterålen  with RV “G.O. Sars”  that is owned by the Institute of Marine Research (IMR) in Bergen. We will start on 29th of November. We are planning to collect column water from ROV and rosette, sediments and pore water for DOC, DIC, nutrients, methane, groundwater for endmembers, biological samples etc. Keep fingers crossed!  Fot. Reza Saghravani

GasBench tests

GasBench tests

GasBench tests

GasBench II, which is universal on-line gas preparation and introduction system. The combination of GasBench interface and Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry is a promising method for the δ15N analysis of samples containing trace amounts of nitrogen. Some time ago we solved problem with high background of nitrogen in the atmosphere and RSD of obtained analysis! Tests were prepared in a special glovebox designed by Dr Marta Borecka and made by Mr. Zbigniew Ciećwierz. Now we will try to figure out troubles with background of mass 30N2. Establishment of the methodology on GasBench/isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GasBench/IRMS) system will allow us to determine anammox and denitrification processes occurring in the marine environment. Fot. Magdalena Diak