Step 1: Understanding the metal associations.
- Cu, Co, Zn (P): These metals are commonly associated with pelagic sediments, which are sediments found on the ocean floor, far from land. This is consistent with their geochemical association in oceanic settings.
- Mn, Co, Ni (Q): These metals are typically found in MORB (Mid-Ocean Ridge Basalt), which forms along the oceanic ridges. MORBs are rich in these metals due to the mantle's composition.
- Cr (R): Chromium is typically associated with tectonized dunite and harzburgite, which are ultramafic rocks found in the mantle. These rocks are often altered during tectonic processes, providing a source for chromium.
- Cu, Mo, Pb (S): These metals are commonly associated with I-Type granite in volcanic arcs, which forms from the partial melting of oceanic crust in subduction zones, and is rich in these metals.
Step 2: Analyzing each option.
- Option (A): P-ii; Q-iv; R-i; S-iii: This is incorrect as it incorrectly associates the metals with the wrong hosts.
- Option (B): P-iv; Q-ii; R-i; S-iii: This is correct because it properly matches the metal associations with their respective geological hosts.
- Option (C): P-ii; Q-iv; R-iii; S-i: This is incorrect as it mismatches the metal hosts.
- Option (D): P-ii; Q-i; R-iv; S-iii: This is incorrect as well, as it places the metals in the wrong host categories.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct matching of the metal associations to the corresponding hosts is P-iv; Q-ii; R-i; S-iii, making option (B) the correct answer.
\[
\boxed{\text{P-iv; Q-ii; R-i; S-iii}}
\]