Distribution of iodate in the south western Bay of Bengal

Abstract

Low concentration of iodate at surface (Ca. 0.2 mu M) and an increase in deeper waters (Ca, 0.55 mu M) were observed in south western Bay of Bengal. A nutrient like behaviour of iodate was also found and phosphate showed that biota plays a major role in surface waters in the iodine system. A mole ratio of NO :PO :IO was found to be 94:10:1. Depletion of iodate, calculated in 2 ways, showed a linear model with the depletion of other nutrients in surface waters (above oxycline) suggesting a direct coupling of iodate with phosphate and nitrate during assimilation and/or regeneration