Geochemistry of rare-earth elements in shallow groundwater, northeastern Guangdong Province, China

Abstract

Shallow groundwater and hot springs were collected from northeastern Guangdong Province, Southeast China, to determine the concentrations and fractionation patterns of rare-earth elements (REE). The results show that the La, Ce and Nd of REEs are abundant in groundwater and rock samples, and the ΣREE contents in groundwater and rock samples range from 126.5 to 2875.3 ng/L, and 79.44 to 385.85 mg/L, respectively. The shallow groundwater has slightly HREE-enriched PAAS-normalized patterns. However, the granitic rocks PAAS-normalized patterns, with remarkable negative Eu anomalies, are different from that of shallow groundwater. The enrichment of HREE is considered to be controlled by REE complexation and readsorption for most groundwater has Ce and Eu positive anomalies. The Ce and Eu anomalies in groundwater are controlled by redox conditions. Moreover, the Fe-contain sediments dissolution and/or the reduction of Fe oxyhydroxides are another factor contributing to Ce anomalies. The Eu anomalies in groundwater are controlled by the preferential mobilization of Eu2+ during water-rock interaction compared to Eu3+.