Ion exchange properties of oceanic ferromanganese nodules and enclosing pelagic sediments

Abstract

Results of the experimental study of ion exchange properties of deep-sea pelagic sediments and related ferromanganese nodules (FMN) are considered. The exchange complex of sediments and nodules includes Na+, K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+ cations. The FMNs also include Mn2+ cations. Series of reactivity of metal cations during exchange reactions in different types of pelagic clayey sediments and diagenetic-sedimentary FMN are compiled. Series of exchange capacity of the sediments and FMN for alkali and heavy metal cations are also presented. The exchange capacity of FMN is always higher than that of enclosing sediments. Sediments are characterized by reversible equivalent sorption of cations of both alkali and heavy metals. Irrespective of the mineral composition, the FMNs are characterized by the reversible equivalent sorption of alkali metal cations, whereas sorption of heavy metal cations is only partly reversible. More over, alkali metal cations do not replace heavy metal cations. The results obtained refine the role of ion exchange processes in the redistribution of heavy metal cations at the water-bottom sediment interface during the diagenetic-sedimentary formation of ferromanganese nodules.