In the present paper we show results of our research on the contents of selected heavy metals in the surface and subsurface water layers of the estuarine lake Gardno. Obtained results show that there are substantial differences between concentrations of lead, copper and zinc in surface microlayer and subsurface waters. We observed that the surface microlayer is capable of accumulating much higher amounts of these metals than the subsurface waters. Analysis of seasonal changes in heavy metal concentrations in surface microlayers and subsurface waters shows some periodicity of these changes.

The processes occurring at the marine water - atmosphere boundary layer and involving selected important components of our environment arc discussed. Special attention is focused on the specific role of the marine water surface microlayer in transfer of those components, properties of aerosols, fundamental question of CO2 absorption/desorption balance and environmental conditions enabling re-emission of mercury from marine water into the atmosphere. Simple laboratory experiments on CO2 absorption from atmosphere and desorption of CO2 from marine water arc shown as an initial point for any wider discussion on the global carbon budget. The emission of mercury to the atmosphere is considered to be promoted by the solar radiation. Under strong solar radiation the ability of organic matter to reduce these ions is enhanced thus making the emission more effective. The phenomenon observed seems to be confirmed by the analysis of the data for months of low and high radiation intensity. A sign i fi cant role of atmospheric iron in cutophication of southern Baltic is emphasized. Concentration of this clement in dry and wet deposition is, however, too low to prevent limitation of phytoplankton growth in marine water.