Instrumental neutron activation analysis of ferromanganese oxide encrustations of Indian Ocean by the k0 NAA method

Three ferromanganese crusts from different locations of the Indian Ocean were analysed by neutron activation analysis using the k0 method (k0 NAA method) for studying the distribution of some trace elements along with Fe and Mn. Another crust from the Lau basin of the Pacific Ocean was investigated for comparison of the influence of different oceanic conditions on the trace element distributions in ferromanganese crusts. The normalised REE content was used to identify possible anomalies. The observed Ce anomaly is discussed in the light of the depositional environment. The precision and accuracy of the method were confirmed by measuring the elemental concentrations in a USGS nodule standard NOD A-1. (author)