Application of orientation biogeochemical exploration method in the vicinity of Ildong Fe-Pb-Zn skarn deposits in Korea

Abstract

Orientation biogeochemical exploration was applied in the vicinity of Ildong Fe-Pb-Zn skarn deposits in Korea. Sampling was conducted along four traverse lines and control areas. A total of 12 rock, 64 soil and 320 plant samples (including three species such as Daimyo oak leaves/branches (Quercus dentata), Ash tree leaves/branches (Fraxinus rhynchophylla Hance) and Japanese red pine leaves (Pinus densiflora Siebold & Zucc.)) were collected and analysed. The content of Cu, Pb, Zn, Mn, Cd, As and Mo in soil from target areas (n = 56) were 2.0–4.5 times higher than those from control areas (n = 8). However, there were no specific contrasts of element content in plant samples (each n = 56) except both for Pb in Q. dentata leaves (0.45–54.93 mg/kg Pb) and branches (0.73–25.89 mg/kg Pb) and Cd in P. densiflora leaves (0.06–4.08 mg/kg Cd). The biological absorption coefficient for each plant sample was low, except for Cd and Mo, which shows 0.214 and 0.149 respectively in P. densiflora. Also, element content in soils and P. densiflora leaves is positively correlated and these geochemical variations of Cd and Mo show similar trends. Therefore, P. densiflora leaves showed the possibility of Cd and Mo indicator in these types of deposits.