Sample collection with in-situ pumps is outlined in Bishop et al. 2012.
Particulate samples were frozen and transported to Wright State University (Dayton, OH) where they were analyzed within 6 months of collection. Filter punches were digested in acid-cleaned polypropylene containers with 8 mL of 2N HNO3 (Baker Instra-Analyzed). After analysis of MMHg, an aliquot of digestate was oxidized with BrCl solution for total Hg determination, according to Hammerschmidt & Fitzgerald (2006). All analyzes were performed on Tekran Model 2500 CVAFS Mercury Detector.
Particulate HgT analysis was done according to Fitzgerald & Gill (1979), Bloom & Fitzgerald (1988), and Bloom (1989). The method detection limit was 0.75 pmol/kg, and procedural duplicates averaged 7 ± 6 RPD (n = 16).
Particulate MMHg was analyzed according to Tseng et al. (2004). The detection limit for the method was 0.075 pmol/kg.
While at sea, variable gas pressure in the gas chromatograph caused irregular MMHg peak retention times, making it indecipherable from the inorganic Hg peak. Accordingly, seawater samples ranging from 0.25 to 2 L, were acidified to 1% with sulfuric acid and shipped frozen to Wright State University for analysis.