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Simplified method for the determination of acid-soluble sulfides in marine sediments

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Abstract

A simple, rapid method for the measurement of acid-soluble sulfides from marine sediments, in the range of 0 to 350 μg sulfide, was developed. Using the mean of 4 replicates, the maximum sensitivity of the method is ±5.48 μg. The method is based on iodometric back titration after the reaction of a standard iodine solution with the sulfide, which is precipitated on paper wicks as zinc, sulfide. The mean coefficient of variation, based on raw titration data, is 0.71% for aliquots from field samples, 0.41% for standards, and 0.21% for blanks. The method is used to compare zinc acetate-fixed subsamples, one group having been stored for 1 month in a refrigerator at 5°C and the other having been analyzed immediately after collection. No significant differences in sulfide content between subsamples, at the 95% confidence level, were noted.

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Communicated by J.S. Pearse, Santa Cruz.

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Munson, D.A. Simplified method for the determination of acid-soluble sulfides in marine sediments. Marine Biology 40, 145–150 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00396260

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