Platinum Group Element Geochemistry in the Ocean

The paper considers the current state of Platinum Group Elements (PGEs) geochemistry in the ocean. The behavior of PGEs in the aquatic environment is defined by their oxidation state, the ability to change it, and complexation. The difference in chemical properties leads to PGEs fractionation in the ocean. This is their characteristic feature, along with their ultra-low contents. The paper describes the sources of PGEs supply to the ocean, PGEs behavior in the river–sea mixing zone, and their distribution in seawater. The processes of PGE accumulation in sediments, seafloor sulfides, and ferromanganese deposits of the ocean are reviewed. Possible mechanisms of PGE accumulation on ferromanganese oxyhydroxides are discussed.