Distribution of Elements in Ferromanganese Nodules in Seas and Lakes

Abstract

Based on original and literature data, the element composition of ferromanganese nodules from the bottom of lakes and intracontinental and Arctic seas is used for a comparison with nodules in the World Ocean. The main similarities and dissimilarities in the composition of nodules, as well as trends in the accumulation of chemical elements in them, are described. It is shown that high metal contents in the oceanic nodules are related to a relatively higher Mn content therein, which is also partially reflected in marine nodules. Coefficients of the correlation between elements in the entire sample set with diverse correlations are determined. High contents of some metals in the Arctic nodules are comparable with their average contents in the oceanic nodules, indicating local metal concentrations in ferromanganese formations in the East Arctic. Nodules are highly enriched in manganese and iron oxides (26.7 and 53.1%, respectively) relative to sedimentary rocks. At the same time, they are depleted in all other macroelements except P.