Trace elements distribution in Antarctic sediments by neutron activation analysis

In the present investigation iron and trace elements were determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis in a number of sea bottom sediment samples, collected in the Ross Sea and close to the Italian Station at Terra Nova Bay in Antarctica. Full listing of results is presented and discussed as well as the evaluation of precision and accuracy. In order to find correlations and similarities among the sediment samples, the analytical data were submitted to statistical treatment. In addition rare earth element patterns were obtained. Typical trends were observed with no evident Eu negative anomaly and a depletion of heavy rare earth elements.