Distribution of Fe, Mn, Ni, Co, Cu and Zn in Non-lithogenous Fractions of Sediments of Gulf of Kutch

Abstract

Contributions made by non-lithogenous fractions of sediments constitute a significant portion of the concentrations of the elements associated with the total sediment samples. The minor differences found in their distribution patterns can be attributed to compositional differences in the individual samples. From an evaluation of the processes of incorporation of elements into sediments in association with non-lithogenous fractions, it is tentatively concluded that the elements particularly trace elements are incorporated more through adsorption on clays than through other processes. However, the absence of covariance among different elements appears to be due to the differential behaviour of elements in regard to adsorption and desorption as a result of the churning of bottom sediments constantly by tidal bores.