For evaluating the efficiency of high-temperature sulfation as a potential technique used in the extraction of metals from manganese nodules, the authors have chemically analysed selected samples using atomic absorption spectroscopy. In order to match the industrial constraints of this extraction, the samples were dessicated at 100°C and then later heated at 450°C. The total H2O extracted by this two phased process has been measured, however it is worth noting that at the temperature of 450°C structural water may still be residually bounded to both Fe and Mn.

From 1983 until 1989 NOAA-NCEI compiled the NOAA-MMS Marine Minerals Geochemical Database from journal articles, technical reports and unpublished sources from other institutions. At the time it was the most extended data compilation on ferromanganese deposits world wide. Initially published in a proprietary format incompatible with present day standards it was jointly decided by AWI and NOAA to transcribe this legacy data into PANGAEA. This transfer is augmented by a careful checking of the original sources when available and the encoding of ancillary information (sample description, method of analysis...) not present in the NOAA-MMS database.