[Determination and distribution patterns analysis of rare earth elements in sediments of Prydz Bay]

A sensitive quantificational method was developed for the analysis of Sc, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, etc. in sediments of Prydz Bay by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and then the REE distribution patterns were analyzed. The samples were digested by microwave using HNO3-H2O2-HF as oxidant. The results showed that the total contents of rare earth elements in eight sites ranged from 117.35 to 348.63 microg x g(-1) and the maximum value was 2.97 times of the minimum value. The REE distribution patterns of different sites in sediments were basically identical and there was an obvious fractionation between LREEs and HREEs. The linear correlation of the method was preferable (r=0.999 7 - 1.000 0). The RSDs (n=3) were no more than 5.0%, and the relative errors were no more than 10%. The detection limits of rare earth elements reached ng x L(-1) level except for Sc. This method was suitable for the analysis of REEs in sediments with the advantages of rapidness, simplicity, high precision and accuracy.