Distribution of rare earth elements and heavy metals in the surficial sediments of the Himalayan river system

Abstract

Rare earth elements (REEs) are considered as useful tracers of various surface geological processes in the river system. REEs and heavy metals (V, Pb, Cr, Co, Ag, Zn, Cd, Ni) were analyzed from the suspended sediments of Ganges and surficial sediments of Yamuna, Brahmaputra, Jamuna, Padma and Meghna, using VG Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometer. Physical weathering process seems to be a major controlling factor for the distribution of REE and trace metals in the sediments of the Himalayan rivers. Weathering of the surface crustal area in the drainage basin shows significant variations due to changes in lithology and influence of tributaries. The distribution of REE shows an almost uniform pattern due to factors such as river transportation processes and high level of terrigenous mixing in the bed sediments. The results show that finer grain size and high content of clay mineral (illite) in these sediments are possible traps for the accumulation of metals. Anthropogenic activities seem to have very little influence in controlling the elemental distribution in the Himalayan rivers.