Temporal transport of major and trace elements in the upper reaches of the Xijiang River, SW China

Abstract

This study investigated the temporal variations of major and trace element contents and controlling factors in the upper reaches of the Xijiang River, SW China. The results showed the major ions principally derived from the weathering of carbonate and silicate rocks, with a seasonal variation impacted by the monsoonal climate. The contents of dissolved trace elements also varied seasonally in the two main tributaries: the Nanpan and Beipan rivers. Most dissolved trace elements such as Mn, Zn and Pb being affected by anthropogenic contributions displayed a large seasonal variability, from onefold to hundred-fold, while V, Rb and U show a relative stable trend uncorrelated with the different seasons, suggesting a natural origin by rock weathering. Suspended particle matter in the Nanpan and Beipan rivers was depleted in Ca, Mg, Na, K and Sr, but enriched in Al, Fe and Sb compared to the upper crust (UC) values. A binary mixture of silicate-rich and carbonate-rich sources dominates the behavior of elements such as Ca and Sr in riverine sediments, while a third end-member with an anthropogenic signature influenced the content of trace elements like Mn, Sb, Pb, Zn, Cd, Cr and Cu. The enrichments of Sb relative to the UC would be related to the mining activity in the studied area. The study highlights the importance of investigating temporal variations of major and trace element contents of rivers controlled by the monsoon climate and impacted by human activity.