Extra Nerdy Proof of Dirty Frustules

Rare earth elements (REEs) are a set of useful tracers in geochemistry. The REE composition of diatom frustules first identified by us mean so much more than their mere composition. The somewhat “nerdy” discussion using composition has strengthened my confidence as well as my doubt regarding the existing explanation of REE cycles in the ocean. This is an important chapter to the most critical readers, the learned readers looking to be persuaded to see diatoms in a new light, but probably not to general readers.