Geochemical Behavior of Trace Vanadium in the Spring, Groundwater and Lake Water at the Foot of Mt. Fuji, Central Japan

Abstract

The behavior of trace vanadium in natural water samples such as underground water, spring, river and lake water from the Kofu basin and the foot of Mt. Fuji, central Japan was geochemically investigated. Trace vanadium was determined by neutron activation analysis or inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. We found distinct differences in vanadium concentration in the water samples between the foot of Mt. Fuji and the Kofu basin. The difference was essentially explained by geological and geochemical characteristics in the areas examined. Further, we discussed the utilization trace vanadium concentrations to the hydrographic studies of the natural waters(underground water, river water and lake water) in the various locations at the foot of Mt. Fuji. The concentration values of trace vanadium of the spring water were in a relatively narrow range. This result suggests that vanadium is leached out through the simple interaction between underground water and Mt. Fuji volcanic rocks. The analytical data of the five lakes at the foot of Mt. Fuji show slightly less homogeneous distribution pattern, compared with that of the spring and ground waters. The informations of trace vanadium were useful as a sensitive indicator to trace the migration of natural water and elucidate the origin of the lakes water.