Marine snow: Microscale nutrient patches1

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Abstract
Measurements of ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and phosphate indicate significant differences in nutrient concentrations associated with marine snow from those of the surrounding water. In eight sets of nutrient measurements, ammonia was more concentrated in aggregates in seven sets, nitrite in three sets, and nitrate in one set. Phosphate was more concentrated in one set, but less concentrated in three sets. Aggregates represent nutrient micropatches ranging in size from <1 mm to several centimeters in diameter.