Behaviour of rare earth elements at the freshwater–seawater interface of two acid mine rivers: the Tinto and Odiel (Andalucia, Spain)

Abstract

The concentrations of dissolved and suspended particulate rare-earth elements (REE) are reported in acid-sulphate waters from the Odiel and Tinto rivers. Shale normalized patterns are typically convex and high REE concentrations (e.g., Ce=0.43–65 μg.l −1) are present in the waters. The REE content of the suspended load is greater by a factor of up to 3000. In the Odiel river, REE patterns of the particulates are essentially convex and sub-parallel to those of the waters; speciation calculations indicate that SO 4 complexes play a dominant role in controlling the REE distributions. In the Tinto river, the REE patterns of the suspended load are slightly fractionated and a negative Ce anomaly is apparent in several samples, reflecting the local influence of phosphogypsum deposits. Contrasting with normal estuaries, REE are not intensely removed in the low chlorinity zone. A remobilization in relation to Fe reduction is observed in the Tinto river.