Copper circulation in two tidally influenced marinas studied with the use of a Nafion polymer probe

Being able to measure the levels, and predict the movement of an anthropogenic trace metal released into a marine or estuarine environment is a major focus in coastal pollution studies. One major source of trace metal contamination in these environments is from ionic-copper-containing antifouling paints on ship hulls. Because ionic copper [Cu (I) + Cu (II)] complexes with organic ligands in the aquatic environment, there is a need for a quick and reliable measurement method to determine its levels. The organic dye, 2,9-dimethyl-4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline (bathocuproine = BCP), embedded in the polymer Nafion 117, is such a reliable method. This procedure provides for the development of a probe capable of directly measuring Cu (I) in seawater. Measurement numbers are within 17% of the values obtained with the aqueous BCS standard method procedure. With this Nafion probe, it is possible to test for Cu (I), and, with a method modification, for Cu (II). The probe also allows the study of the movement of the ionic copper relative to the water movements in a basin. Results from this study indicate that ionic copper circulates, mixes, and releases from the basins or harbors with the tide. The circulation and mixing are functions of the basin flushing rate and exchange ratio. Nafion impregnated with bathocuproine (BCP) is a rapid method useful for detecting Cu (I) releases into the marine environment. ©1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Field Analyt Chem Technol 3:3–18, 1999