Manganese nodules elemental composition

The main components of marine sediments are inorganic aluminosilicate minerals which are usually accumulated on the sea floor by river and other geological activities, and also skeletons and shells of marine organisms (mainly calcium carbonate and silica) [2]. Of course, some metal salts or particulates which precipitate from seawater form new minerals, e.g. manganese nodules [2]. The chemical compositions of the three principal types of sediments in the ocean are shown in Table 12 [105], Most of the sediments found in the deep-sea floor are mixtures of these three principal minerals. Study of the sediments in the oceans and seashores can provide important data related to geochemical, oceanographical or biological circulation and deposition of elements, formation and distribution of marine sediments, and exploitation of marine resources. 

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