The geochemistry model of the surface sediment determined by using ED-XRF technique: a case study of the Boka Kotorska bay, Adriatic Sea

Abstract

The spatial distribution of major oxides (Na2O, K2O, SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, CaO, MgO, MnO, TiO2, P2O5) and numerous elements (Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Pb, Sn, Sb, Ba, Sr, Br, Rb, Zr, Mo, Cs, Y, V, Ga, La, U, Th, Nb, W, Sc, Ge, Gd, Yb, Hf, and Ce) was determined by using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry on the basis of previously measured organic matter and carbonates. The optimal measuring variables for the investigated oxides and elements were determined by using five standard reference materials. The carbonated sediment type can be determined on the basis of the highest Sr, Sc, La, Nb, Hf, and Yb concentrations followed with the lowest concentrations of the remaining elements and the negative Ce anomaly. The complexity of the obtained data was also examined by principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis (CA) in the identifying geochemical composition of the surface sediment. Boka Kotorska bay's geographical position, orographical configuration, and hydrographic characteristics influence the geochemistry model of the surface sediment, quite different from the open sea.