Characterization of the Structural and Chemical Properties of Copper Chelators in Marine Systems
Abstract
Copper speciation in seawater is generally dominated by low concentrations of strong, highly selective Cu chelators At present, we have no data to account for the high specificity and high binding affinity of these compounds for Cu, nor can we validate hypotheses regarding their sources and sinks. We propose to study the structural and chemical properties of strong Cu chelators produced by a ubiquitous marine cyanobacterium, Synechococcus sp., a plausible source of strong Cu chelators in seawater. We plan to characterize these compounds using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), coupled with electrochemical methods currently used to study Cu binding. Dr. James Moffett studies Cu speciation and phytoplankton interactions in seawater and Dr. Nelson Frew is an environmental organic chemist and mass spectroscopist. Such interdisciplinary collaboration is absolutely essential for the proposed work. Results will be used to explain the unique properties of these compounds, which may be important in Cu detoxification. Very few commercially available chelators exhibit the selectivity for Cu displayed by these chelators, suggesting a physiological function. It is possible that these compounds or synthetic analogues may be useful for remediation of Cu contaminated wastewaters, or other processes relevant to the U. S. Navy. Results will also be useful in developing field assays for chelators present in the water column. Such assays are essential in establishing causal links between the accumulation of Cu chelators in seawater and detoxification mechanisms of the biota.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA411273
Entities
People
- James W. Moffett
- Nelson M. Frew
Organizations
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution