Chern. Anal. (Warsaw), 38, 625 (1993)
Determination of Trace Elements in Samples of
Bottom Sediments, Suspended Matter and Aerosols
by G. M. Kolesov, V. V. Aniklev", S. K. Prasad and E. M. Sedykh
~I.
Vernadsky Institute ofGeochemistry &Analytical Chemistry, Russian Academy ofSciences,
KosyginSt.19, Moscow, Russia
*Pacijic Oceanological Institute, Far East Division, RussianAcademy ofSciences,
Radio St. 7, Vladivostok, Russia
Key words: NAA, AAS methods, bottom sediments,suspended matter, aerosols
Instrumental neutron activation analysis using thermal and epithermalneutrons, atomic
absorption and atomic emission inductively coupled plasma spectroscopic methods have
been used in present studies to obtain detailed information about the contents of more
than 40 elementshaving different physico-chemical and geological properties in bottom
sediments, suspended matter and aerosol samples. This information is useful for elemental distribution mechanism studies, for the interpretation ofglobal geochemical cycles
and transportation of trace elements in air-water basins of some regions of South-East
Asian shores of Pacific Ocean.
Oznaczono ponad 40 pierwiastk6w w pr6bkach osad6w dennych, zawiesin i aerozoli w
rejonie Morza Chiriskiego, Oznaczenia wykonano metodami analizy aktywacyjnej z
wykorzystaniem neutron6wtermicznych i epiterrnicznych oraz metodami absorpcyjnej
i emisyjnej (plazma sprzezona indukcyjnie - ICP) spektrometrii atomowej. Dane 0
zawartosci pierwiastk6w wykorzystano do badania mechanizm6w ich dystrybucji oraz
do badania globalnych cykli geochemicznych i transportu pierwiastk6w (obecnych w
ilosciach sladowych) w wodzie i powietrzu.
In order to understand the pattern oftransport of material to the ocean and the
geochemical cycles of transported elements, it is necessary to study the composition
of marine aerosols as well as marine suspended matter and bottom sediments. The
study of the input to the ocean of suspended matter (aerosols) of the air is particularly
important from pollution point of view and also to understand the geochemistry of
particulate matter exchange between continent, atmosphere and the ocean [1]. For
obtaining the detailed and complete information through analysis of the above
G. M. Kolesov et ale
626
mentioned objects a combination of modern analytical methods, such as instrumental
neutron activation analysis (INAA), inductively coupled plasma atomic emission
(AES-ICP) and atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) is required.
With this aim [2] in mind the investigation on establishing elemental composition
ofsome important components of ecosystem, as for example, different climatic zones
of Pacific Ocean of South-East Asia, was carried out by the above mentioned
methods.
EXPERIMENTAL
Sample collection
The samples of suspended matter were collected by passing one litre of water through 0.45 um
porosity filter paper. Bottom sediment samples were collected with sediment collector and separated
into different fractions according to particle size. Aerosol samples were collected by the deposition on
the membrane filters.
Apparatus and procedure in instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA)
In this method samples 10-60 mgwere packed in AI-foil, irradiated with thermal (20 h) and
epithermal (80 h) neutrons in the reactor and then activity of the samples was measured with the
spectrometer equipped with Ge(Li) detector and 4096-channel pulse height analysis system (LP-4900
and NUC 8192). Elements were identified by gamma-ray energies of corresponding radionuclides.
Processing of gamma-ray spectra and elemental composition calculations were done using a special
computer programme [3]. Sensitivity comparisons with respect to Na and Sc were done in order to
establish optimum conditions for elemental determination during the irradiation ofsamples with Cd and
B filter (c/. Table 1).
SDO-bottomsediment, SP-soil and PSO-model sample were used as standards for comparison
studies. The rare elements (Hf, Ta, Rb, Cs,Cr, Sc, Th), rare earth elements (La to Lu) and some other
elements were determined with an analysis error of 5-15 %.
Table 1. Sensitivity comparisons in the determination of some elements by INAA in sediment samples
using Cd- and B-filters
Element
Ca
With
~espect
to Sc (Sc=1.0)
Cd-filter
B-filter
114
173
Element
With respect to Na (Na=1.0)
Cd-filter
B-filter
As
25
56
Cr
0.93
1.9
Br
55
86
Fe
1.8
5.7
Rb
15
43
Co
12
Mo
12
50
Ni
100
1230
Cd
12
53
Zn
13
73
Sb
32
78
32
62
3.3
Se
14
63
Ba
Rb
15
82
La
Sr
13
91
Sm
29
Yb
3.2
15
29
Lu
5.1
11
Ag
Cs
6.0
19
4.3
46
5.6
34
627
Trace elements in bottom sediments...
Table 1 (continued)
Ba
31
119
W
14
Ce
1.1
5.9
Au
22
Eu
1.4
5.3
U
46
1b
36
3.1
29
Lu
5
20
Hf
4.2
24
7.2
58
192
Yb
Ta
11
13
54
Hg
14
57
Th
16
59
Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (AES-ICP)
and electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS) methods
Reagents and solutions
Standard solutions of determined elements were prepared from USSR governement approved
standards. Analar grade acids such as HF, HCI, HCI0 4 , HN0 3 , 30 % HzOz and 1 % ascorbic acid, Ni
solution in HN03 (1 g 1-1) were used as modifiers in ETAAS.
Preparation ofsample and standard solutions
Acid digestion ofsediment samples: Finely ground sediment sample (0.2 g) was weighed accurately
and transferred into platinum crucible, then 15 ml of HF and 1 ml of HCI0 4 were added and heated on
hot plate however not evaporating to dryness, then 3 ml of HCI were added and heated until the incipient
dryness. The beaker was removed from hot plate and 1 ml of 1.5 mol 1-1 HN03 and 10 ml of demineralized
water were added and heated until the residue was dissolved. Then the beaker was cooled and the solution
was poured into appropriate volumetric flask and made up to the mark with demineralized water.
Acid digestion ofaerosol samples: Filters along with aerosol matter (0.6 g) were weighed accurately
and placed in a 50 ml beakers. 5 ml of cone. HN0 3 was added to each beaker and left overnight. Next
day the beakers were heated on a hot plate, 2-3 drops of 30 % HzOz were added and continued heating
for 3 h. This process was continued by adding small quantities of 30 % HzOz until a clear solution was
obtained. The solutions were then cooled and transferred into appropriate volumetric flasks and made
up to mark. In this digestion process organic carbon from the filters was not completely dissolved.
Apparatus and determination conditions
AES-ICP: Analyses were carried on 47-channel spectrometer ICAP-9000 (Thermo Jarrell Ash,
USA) with inductively coupled plasma.
Polychromator parameters: focal length 0.75 m, grating 1510 lines/mm, reverse linear dispersion
0.84nm/mm in first, 0.42 nm/mm in second and 0.28 nm/mm in the third spectral order, spectral range
180-900 nm, entrance and exit slits 25 and 50 um, respectively.
Deflecting plate is situated behind entrance slit which scans the spectral region neighbourhood to
the central spectral lines.
Forward working power 1.1 kW.
Sample introduction system consists of glass nebulizing chamber, quartz torch and cross flow
nebulizer. Solutions are introduced by peristaltic pumping with controlled speed.
Argon gas flow rate 0.6 I min"! (for plasma formation), 18 I min"! (for cooling), 0.4 I min"! (for
transportation).
628
G. M. Kolesov et ale
Operation of spectrometer and mathematical calculations were done by "APPLE Ile" computer.
Optimum plasma zones were selected for determining trace and macro elements. For all trace elements
the optimum height found to be 11 mm. For macro elements the height was increased to 15 mm.
ETAAS: Perkin Elmer spectrometer model 3030 Z with graphite atomizer HGA-600 and high
frequency electrodeless lamp as a source were used. Signals were registered with the help of graph plotter
(Perkin Elmer 100). Non-selective absorption was subtracted using Zeeman correction.
Analyzed solutions were introduced into graphite tube using Eppendorf micropipette and automicropipettes As-60 (Perkin Elmer). Argon gas was used as a protective gas.
Determination conditions such as elemental analytical lines, temperature-time parameters when
using temperature stabilized graphite furnace AAS with platform and 20 !!l modifier are given in Table 2.
Table 2. Elemental determination conditions for graphite furnace AAS (sample weight 1 g, solution
volume 25 ml, drying temp. 110°C, ashing time 30 s)
Element
Wave
length
nm
Lower
detection
limit, ppm
Ashing
temp.
°C
Atomization Atomization
times
temp.j'C
Modifier
Mo
313.3
5.0
1800
2650
3
Sn
286.3
5.0
800
2200
3
Pb
283.3
2.5
750
2200
3
-11-
Co
242.3
2.5
1000
2300
2
-11-
Cd
228.8
2.5
700
2000
2
Ni soln. in HN03 (1 g 1-1)
-
1 % ascorbic acid
Bi
223.1
5.0
900
2200
2
-li-
Se
196.0
5.0
900
2300
3
-li-
As
193.7
2.5
1200
2500
3
-li-
Te
214.3
2.5
800
2100
3
-11-
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Rare elements (Hf, Ta, Rb, Cs, Cr, Co, Th) and rare earth elements (La-Lu) were
determined by INAA; AI, Ba, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sr, Ti, Fe, K, Na,
were determined byAES-ICP and Co, Cd, Pb, Cu, Bi,As, Te, Sb, TI were determined
by ETAAS. The obtained data are presented in Tables 1-7 and Figs. 1-4.
From Table 1 it can be seen that elements such as Ca, Ni, Ba, Tb, Ta, Th, Br, Sm,
Au were well determined by neutron activation analysis with epithermal neutrons
using Cd-filter and Rb, Ba, As, Mo, Sr and others can be determined using B-filter.
Table 2 shows the optimum analytical conditions of graphite furnace AAS for the
determination of various elements. .
Table 3 gives the elemental composition analysis results of sediment standard
SDO-2 (volcanic mud) by different methods (INAA, AES-ICP, ETAAS).
Table 4 gives the analysis results of one of the empty filter analyzed by INAA
(column 1) and the analysis results of aerosol samples collected near the Vladivostok
city with the wind direction towards North (column 2) and South (column 3). Parts
of the filter were analyzed by INAA, ETAAS and AES-ICP. Some differences in
629
Trace elements in bottom sediments...
elemental composition of aerosol samples from land towards sea (northern aerosols)
and from sea towards land (southern aerosols) have been observed. From these data
it can be assumed that the above mentioned enrichment (except for lead) of various
elements may originate mainly from industrial activities and also due to seasonal
variations. In the case of copper and zinc [5] it has been shown that the enrichment
of aerosol composition is partially due to the continuous recycling between the ocean
and the atmosphere.
Table 3. Results of analysis by different methods of the sediment standard (SDO-2)
Method
Element
Na
3.04
Ca
Certified value [4]
AES-ICP
INAA
ETAAS
2.98
5.57
5.58
3.00
2.99±0.03
5.57
5.58±0.08
Ba
1500
1300
1320
Cr
250
240
240
Fe
10.6
10.5
10.4
Co
47
45
49
Sn
3.0
Pb
-
As
15
Cd
Sb
3.0
1300±100
240±20
9.3±0.07
45±2
2.5
2.4
4
3.7
3.6
4
20
22
20
13
12
15±1
2.8
2.7
3
Ni
150
160
170
150±10
Sr
480
500
510
530±40
Zn
130
130
125
130±10
Rb
42
38
40
38±3
Cs
3.0
3.5
2.9
3.5
Table 4. Elemental composition analysis results ofWhatman 41 filter" (ng cm-z)and aerosol samples (ng m- 3)
Element
La·
Column 2
Column 1
<0.07
Column 3
INAA
ETAAS
AES-ICP
1.2
-
-
-
-
2000
-
6
10
-
4000
1431
Ce
2.3
Sm
< 0.35
-
Eu
<0.23
0.05
Tb
<0.2
0.02
Na
280
Cr
<3.6
Fe
35
1.5
1655
5.5
1350
INAA
ETAAS
AES-ICP
2.1
-
4.3
-
-
0.08
0.04
30
1960
G. M. Kolesov et al.
630
Table 4 (continued)
Co
0.05
Sn
Cd
-
Ca
100
Mo
-
Ba
< 160
Pb
-
Th
<0.2
eu
-
U
<0.2
Bi
-
Hf
< 0.21
Ta
<0.1
Se
-
Rb
<1
As
-
Sb
<0.7
Te
-
Hg
Al
11
Zn
<0.16
-
0.85
1.0
15
20.5
19
-
-
-
-
11.7
25.7
-
-
-
225
440
-
8.0
-
-
730
580
0.6
<0.5
Sc
-
-
3.5
10.8
4.2
-
-
200
180
-
-
2.3
-
.,....
-
-
-
2.7
-
3.6
0.05
-
2800
-
-
200
150
-
-
-
-
137
165
-
-
4.5
16.6
-
1.07
13.2
-
1400
870
600
*Mass of the filter 72.4 mg, area 10.5 cm2 •
Much attention was paid to the analysis of suspended matter and sediment
samples, collected from Eastern China Sea shelf. The samples were collected from
11 stations, separated perpendicularly at a distance of 50-100 km from one another.
Out of them, 6 stations were chosen in longitude direction and 5 stations in meridian
direction (from the mouth of the river Yantzi). Besides that high and low tide effects,
internal geochemical and biological changes of water were studied in a 24 hours
cycle.
From Figure 1 it can be seen that the concentration of suspended matter at a depth
of 60 m is 1.3-3 times higher compared with upper layer. Obviously, itis linked with
the disturbance caused in the upper layer of the bottom sediment during high and low
tide time. At 40 m depth the difference in concentration of suspended matter
compared with upper layer is lowered with time. It can be assumed that the presence
of suspended matter in water upper layer gives the possibility of plankton growth.
This was also confirmed by the presence of phosphates and decrease in the oxygen
content (5.4-4.6 mg 1-1) with depth (Fig. 1).
631
Trace elements in bottom sediments...
depth·60m
Figure 1. a) Total quantity of suspended matter, b), c), d) represent organic matter and salinity; 1- upper
layer, 2 & 3 - 40 & 60 m depth; 1.1, 2.1, 3.1 represent suspended organic matter; 1.2, 2.2, 3.2
represent dissolved organic matter at respective depths (in order to get actual composition the
obtained value should be multiplied by 20). Dotted line represents salinity distribution (right
hand side scale)
Various formation conditions of suspended matter caused sharp vertical non-homogenous changes in the elemental contents (Table 5). In the case of Fe the increase
in concentration is ca. 2-20 times higher (0.3-6.3 mg ml-1) in bottom layer as
compared with upper layer. Similar tendency has been observed in the case of Co and
Cr, but the concentration variation is lower i.e. 0.54-2.4 J!g g-l and 3-16.2 J!g g-l,
respectively. An enrichment factor of 5-20 times was observed in the case of rare
earth elements (La, Sm, Ce) and scattered elements (Sc, Th) in the suspended matter
of bottom layer in comparison with water upper layer. In the case of Na and Ca
non-homogenous localization is observed which may be a result of autogenic mineralization and the presence of plankton. This also may be a reason for the accumulation of Sb. In that case, one can say that the amount of suspended matter and
plankton growth in the water upper layer is less compared with 40 and 80 m depth.
G. M. Kolesov et al.
632
Table 5. Elemental concentration changes in the suspended matter samples of Eastern China Sea shelf
with time, ppm (Na, Ca and Fe in mg g-l)
Fe
Co
Cr
Sb
lime,h
Depth, m
Na
Ca
1
0
42.5
<4.7
0.6
0.54
5.43
84.1
40
41.0
13.0
2.9
<0.82
3.84
73.3
60
51.0
10.5
7.6
2.10
16.2
0
90.0
< 4.5
0.78
0.48
5.4
63.7
0.79
7.3
55.8
-
4
7
10
40
88.0
6.9
3.25
60
-
4.2
4.35
1.2
8.9
0
-
3.2
0.4
<0.34
3.0
72.1
80.1
40
55.0
<6.5
3.25
0.86
9.3
60
52.3
<6.6
3.5
0.46
6.0
<0.33
<2.0
0
22
-
3.3
0.99
4.9
6.3
1.9
9.7
3.8
<0.27
<0.34
<0.15
8.4
4.25
1.3
11.1
60
-
3.6
5.5
1.5
10.5
0
101.0
3.0
0.44
< 0.39
<2.25
60.6
40
77.0
6.9
3.8
0.75
5.8
56.4
60
54.0
<6.3
5.2
1.45
8.66
59.1
-
<0.29
<0.38
<2.22
1.6
10.5
13.8
0
40
19
0.32
3.8
7.7
60
16
-
5.1
40
13
50.2
0
-
40
90.0
8.4
5.3
60
-
9.5
6.0
1.8
<4.3
0.3
<0.5
0
34.0
<2.24
-
53.1
69.7
40
-
7.3
4.5
1.1
9.6
-
60
283
6.8
4.3
2.4
5.3
62.9
~
From Figure 2 it can be seen that the concentrations of Fe, Co, Cr in bottom water
layer change as the content of suspended matter changes in the presence of organic
carbon. Some changes in elemental composition with time are observed from the
curves showing that the formation of suspended matter in Eastern China Sea may
633
Trace elements in bottom sediments...
take place under the influence of high tides occurring approximately at 12 hour
interval with an. amplitude of more than 2 m height. The obtained concentration
changes for Fe, Co and Cr in suspended matter of sediment layer and water upper
layer confirm that the sediment layer becomes muddy during.high-low.tide time.
It can be noted that out of three studied rare earth elements (REE) noticeable
concentration changes were observed in the case of La and Sm. In the case of Ce,
critical dependence was observed, i.e. change in oxidation state as a result ofvariation
in the oxidation-reduction potential of surroundings (Fig. 2). In the case of Sc and
Th, similar to lithophilic and other elements, the change in concentration is smaIIer
compared with rare earth elements. From this it can be assumed that the distribution
of these elements in suspended matter is influenced by autogenic processes.
Elemental composition investigations were carried out with the help of factoral
analysis [6], taking into account effectofpH, salinity etc. The obtained data conclude
that even though lithodynamic processes predominantly affect the change in some
elemental composition of suspended matter round the clock, but noticeable influence
has been observed from autogenic carbonate formation and complex formation with
organic matter.
L....
8
C1.I
~
6
2~>f°~
o
E
en
2
0
----------~---------------
t
TIl~
-C
~
-'-' _ _
E
1::
e
a
(J
~
.s
! :2~~,
o
3
6
9
I
1
12
15
•
I
1
18
21
Time, h
Figure 2. Distribution of Cr, Fe, Co, Sc, Th and some REE in suspended matter samples of bottom layer
round the clock
G. M. Kolesov et al.
634
Spatial elemental distribution changes of suspended matter of Eastern China Sea
shelf were studied. It was established that the river load from the mouth of river Yantzi
changed the salinity about 5 %, concentration of suspended and dissolved organic
matter approximately by 2....:9 times and composition of suspended matter by 7 times
and more (Fig. 3). Suspended matter may be relatively constant irrespective to the
change in salinity, whereas dissolved organic matter is very much dependent on
salinity. So any change in salinity will bring the change in concentration of dissolved
organic matter.
a.)
Q2
1100 01
02
O~.
04
Station
05
06 07 0800 1111
number
Figure 3. Distribution of: a) total suspended matter, b) suspended organic matter, c) dissolved organic
matter, d) salinity; 1- upper layer, 2 - 40 m depth
It is known that the changes in chemical composition of suspended matter are
determined by the granulometric composition of muddy particles of bottom sediments [7]. Movement of finely dispersed fractions takes place during the disturbance.
Distribution of 20 elements in two clay fractions with particle diameters 0.01-O.05(-lm,
0.05-0.1 urn and> 0.1 urn was studied. Some results related to REE are given in
Table 6.
635
Trace elements in bottom sediments...
Table 6. Distribution of REE in different granulometric fractions of bottom sediments of Eastern China
Sea shelf (f.lgg-l)
Station, horizon,
'fraction
Sm
Eu
Th
Yb
Lu
La
Ce
0.01-0.05 um
31.5
96.0
5.3
1.6
2.0
<2.8
0.53
0.05-0.1 f.lm
24.2
40.0
2.4
0.9
0.98
< 1.43
0.15
>O.lf.lm
20.0
24.5
.3.7
0.7
0.78
1.4
0.18
0.01-0.05 um
86.5
132.0
10.0
1.55
2.6
<1.6
0.45
0.05-0.1 um
46.0
79.0
8.1
1.33
0.63
< 1.4
0.25
25.5
37.0
1.4
0.87
0.5
<1.9
0.18
45.0
78.0
9.1
1.32
0.47
< 1.55
0.33
0.05-0.1 um
46.5
77.0
8.4
1.5
1.6
2.5
0.44
>O.lf.lm
23.0
41.0
4.8
1.1
0.8
<1.4
0.23
40.5
63.0
2.1
0.92
1.26
<1.25
0.34
0.5
0.5
<0.98
0.1
1099 (0-7 em)
1100 (0-13 em)
>0.1f.lm
1101 (0-10 em)
0.01-0.05 urn
1102 (0-10 em)
0.01-0.05 urn
0.05-0.1 um
13.0
20.0
1.9
>O.lf.lm
43.0
71.0
8.0
1.4
1.6
1.6
0.42
0.01-0.05 urn
15.8
25.8
1.93
0.83
0.82
0.77
0.13
>O.lf.lm
18.0
28.0
3.3
1.3
1.2
1.3
0.21
1106 (0-2 em)
1107 (0-5 em)
0.01-0.05 f.lm
34.0
24.0
5.2
1.4
1.5
2.4
<0.31
>O.lf.lm
25.5
35.0
3.9
1.7
1.6
2.1
<0.31
29.0
47.0
3.7
1.25
1.7
2.3
<0.21
12.2
9.3
2.1
0.6
2.3
0.35
1108 (0-3 em)
0.01-0.05 urn
0.05-0.1 urn
24.9
21.9
3.16
4.4
>O.lf.lm
40.5
62.0
7.2
1.8
1109
. 0.01-0.05 urn
0.05-01
urn
<0.2
25.6
42.5
3.2
0.9
2.1
1.9
32.0
57.0.
5.3
2.1
2.5
4.0
0.9
<0.27
37.5
22.0
5.7
1.6
1.4
1.0
59.0
98.0
6.5
1.95
2.1
1.0
0.3
0.01-0.05 um
33.7
59.5
4.8
1.5
1.7
3.0
0.4
0.05-0.1 um
37.0
22.'0
5.7
1.7
2.5
5.7
>O.lf.lm
23.0
37.0
3.3
1.5
1.1
1.9
>O.lf.lm
1110
>O.lf.lm
1111
0.65
< 0.2
636
G. M. Kolesov et al.
It can be seen that the concentrations of REE in all sediment fractions are 3-10
times higher than those of suspended matter of the same stations. The unique reason
for the enrichment are the diagenic processes in thick sediment layers and selective
accumulation of individual elements on sediments with organic component present
in suspended matter and its destruction under the combined effects of oxidation-reduction reactions and microbiological conditions.
The evidence for these processes may be due to the fractionation of chemical
contents of sediments in comparison with terrigenous sediment rocks. Presuming that
weathering takes place during the core formation which influences the enrichment of
light or medium lanthanides in clay, the absence of additional fractionation of REE
was the result of diagenesis processes. Consequently enrichment of La, Ce, Smand
Eu and depletion of heavy lanthanides werefound in the studied sediment fractions.
This was verified by the analysis of data obtained while constructing the concentration distribution curves of the individual elements of the samples (Fig. 4).
:: [!/\/
l.a
1
o --------------------
:L~~ ~~---------
o --------------------.;..-2
o
t ~,~ :~~ ~ ~ ~~
I
1099 1100 01 02 06 01 08 09 10 1111
Stanon number
Figure 4. Normalized relative distribution of REE in sediment samples of different stations. 1 and 2
represent fraction sizes: 1 - 0.01-0.05 urn, 2 - > 0.1j.lm, respectively
637
Trace elements in bottom sediments...
It can be seen from Fig. 4 that marked enrichment of La, Ce, Sm and Eu
(REEsed.IREEplat.clay > 1) was observed in sediment samples mainly in all stations in
case of small dispersive fraction (0.01-O.05 urn) and depletion (REEsed.IREEplat.clay
< 1) observed in fractions > 0.1 urn. Simultaneous enrichment of heavy rare earth
such as Tb, Lu also took place in these fractions. It can be observed that combined
enrichment of light and heavy REB in fine dispersive fractions of sediment samples
may be due to the increase of clay mineral composition (account of hydrosorting
under dynamic processes) compared with platformic clays. Besides that the terrigenous evolution of REE in bottom sediments serves as enrichment coefficient for light
REE (as such relationship between La and Lu normalized with respect to platformic
cla y) [8]. Calculations showed that average enrichment of La in sediments is 1.5 times
whereas in individual samples its variation is in the range of 0.45-2.4. All the above
information confirms that the sediments of Eastern China Sea shelf represent terrigenous material, but noticeable influence on its chemical composition has been observed from diagenesis processes.
Conclusion
Combination of atomic spectroscopic and instrumental neutron activation analysis using thermal and epithermal neutrons have given information about the
. contents of more than 40 elements having different physico-chemical and geochemical properties (Na, Ca, Sr, Fe, Co, Cr, Hf, Sb; La, Ce, Sm, Eu, Tb, Yb, Lu; Sc, Rb,
Cs, Th, Ta) in sediments, suspended matter samples, also As, Cd, Cu, Mo, Pb, Sn, Bi,
Se and others in aerosol samples.
Acknowledgments
The authors are thankful to Scientific Staff ofthe Central Laboratory ofM aterialAnalysis ofVernadsky
• Insti tute ofGeochemistry and Analytical Chemistry for helping in the analysis and thanks are due to Scientific
Workers ofPacific Oceanological Institute, Vladivostok for providing the sediment and aerosol samples.
REFERENCES
1. Buat-Menard P., Lambert C. E., Arnold M. and Chesselet R., J. Radioanal. Chem., 55(2), 445 (1980).
2. Anikiev V. v., Short period geochemical processes and ocean pollution, Nauka, 1987, p.197.
3. Shubina N. A. and Kolesov G. M., Multicomponent analysis of radionuclide mixture by their gamma
energies using automatic spectralprocessing on computer, in: Computer inAnalytical Chemistry, Nauka,
1989, pp. 77-87.
4. Lonzich S. V. and Petrov P. L., Composition of environmental standard samples, Nauka, Novasibirsk
1988.
5. Buat-Menard P. and Chesselet R,EarthPlanet. Sci. Lett., 42, 399 (1979).
6. Anikiev V. v., Shumalin E. N., Lobanov A. A., Slinko E. P. and Yarosh V. v., Geokhimya, 10, 1494
(1990).
.
7. Zha Yiyang, Chin. J. Oceanol. Limnol., 3(2), 200 (1985).
8. Sholkovitz E. R,Am. J. Sci., 288(3), 236 (1988).
ReceivedMarch 1993
AcceptedJune 1993