Lithological distribution of rare earth elements in automorphic and alluvial soils in the Bregalnica river basin

Abstract

The present study gives an overview of the rare earth elements (REEs) distribution in automorphic and alluvial soil (top and sub-soil samples) in the environs of Bregalnica river. The element contents were determined using inductively coupled plasma with mass spectrometry. The content of the light rare earth elements (LREEs) in the whole investigated area ranges from 8.6 to 225 mg kg-1, while the content of the heavy rare earth elements (HREEs) ranges from 0.92 to 33.7 mg kg-1. The distribution of the LREEs (La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu and Gd) is predominantly related to the Quaternary terraces and the Paleogene flysch. The anthropogenic activities that occur in the Pb-Zn surroundings and the Cu mineralization in the investigated area significantly influence the lithological distribution of this geochemical association of elements. On the other hand, the distribution of the HREEs (Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Th, Yb and Lu) presents a typical geochemical association in the area of the Bregalnica river basin.