Global distribution of phosphate using high sensitivity techniques from data aggregated from many studies between 1988-2017

Abstract

Surface ocean phosphate is commonly below the standard analytical detection limit (~100 nM) leading to an incomplete picture of the global variation and biogeochemical role of phosphate. This dataset represents a global compilation of phosphate measured using high-sensitivity methods including magnesium induced precipitation (MAGIC), liquid waveguide cell (LWCC), and solid phase extraction (SPE) methods. We compiled data from 42 major cruises covering all oligotrophic regions using high-sensitivity P measurements. The dataset covered a total of 50591 samples including 41747 samples from the upper 30 m. The compilations revealed several previously unrecognized low-P areas and clear regional biases. Our study demonstrates the importance of accurately quantifying nutrients for understanding the regulation of ocean ecosystems and biogeochemistry now and under future climate conditions.

For a complete list of measurements, refer to the full dataset description in the supplemental file 'Dataset_description.pdf'. The most current version of this dataset is available at: https://www.bco-dmo.org/dataset/764704