Surprisingly, compounds such as chloroform, trichloroethylene and perchloroethylene were found to be produced by algae in considerable amounts. Therefore, the traditional definitions of anthropogenic and biogenic halogenated compounds have to be reconsidered. Chemical reactions between hypochlorite and the DOC will not only have an impact on the formation of volatile halogenated compounds, but also on the formation of other halogenating compounds that are included in EOCl and EOBr measurements. The formation of halogenated halocarbons is dependent on photosynthesis. Therefore, studies are performed in order to elucidate the formation and regulation mechanisms.
Emphasis is put on polar, temperate and subtropical waters.
Our investigations in the Antarctica and in the Arctic Ocean, show that even algae in polar regions are potential contributors to the amount of halocarbons found in the lower troposphere. Formation and distribution of halogenated compounds volatile organics in sea water. Marine algae- a source of trichloroethylene and perchloroethylene. In press Limnology and Ocenography.