This project is an investigation of how iron oxyhydroxide reduction, organic-B complexation, and biogenic opal dissolution will combine and interact in sediment to produce observed boron concentrations patterns. The research will be conducted in the laboratory where problems can be simplified by reducing the number of variables that affect boron distribution. After conceptual models of the control mechanisms have been developed the work will be extended to the field. The initial experiments will consist of quantifying the effect on the boron distribution as different solutes and solids are added to the sediment. Three different types of sediment will be tested. The results will facilitate the evaluation of boron as a paleo-environmental indicator, will advance understanding of the behavior of boron and silicon in marine sediments, and will improve calculations of carbonate equilibria.
