A method for the extraction of trace elements from sea water

Abstract

A simple technique is described which permits an in situ extraction of many elements present in trace quantities in sea water. The basis of the technique is adsorption of the elements on ferric hydroxide. A matrix of finely dispersed ferric hydroxide gel, using fibrous jute or spongin as the framework, is constructed through which water can flow freely; this matrix is towed through sea water permitting an in situ extraction of elements from large quantities of water. Four elements present in concentrations ranging from ca. 10⁻⁴ to 10⁻⁹ g/l. of sea water have been extracted from the equivalent of a few hundreds of tons of coastal waters. In the beryllium and silicon extracts the radioactivities due to cosmic ray produced isotopes Be⁷ and Si³² have been measured. The extraction technique described here should prove valuable for studying the distribution and isotopic composition of several trace elements present in sea water as well as in lakes or rivers.