THE CONDITIONS OF FORMATION OF THE CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF THE SEA SURFACE MICROLAYER AND TECHNIQUES FOR STUDYING ORGANIC MATTER IN IT

Abstract

This paper reviews modern aspects of studying the sea surface microlayer (SSM). Some problems of SSM formation, physical stability, and chemical composition are discussed in the first section. Natural components and anthropogenic pollutants of the SSM are analyzed separately. The second section highlights modern techniques for sampling the SSM and shows their possible use for particular studies. The third section is a review of the usual techniques for studying the physical characteristics and chemical composition of the SSM.