Spatial distribution of metals in urban topsoils of Xuzhou (China): controlling factors and environmental implications

The contamination of soils by metals from various sources is a subject of increasing concern in recent times. Twenty-eight elements (Fe, Ti, Cr, Al, Ga, Pb, Sc, Ba, Li, Cd, Be, Co, Cu, Mn, Ni, V, Zn, Mo, Pt, Pd, Au, As, Sb, Se, Hg, Bi, Ag and Sn) have been analyzed from urban topsoil from the city of Xuzhou. The concentrations of these analyzed elements have been correlated to some soil parameters such as organic matter, pH, cation exchange capacity, carbonate content, and granulometric fractions (clay, silt and sand). Results of the statistical analysis show a large variety and complexity in these relationships. The spatial distributions of these metal concentrations were also constructed using geographical information system. The spatial distribution patterns of the elements analyzed show that traffic and industrial activities are the principal anthropogenic pollutant sources.     

Use of multivariate statistical analysis to determine the relationship between the magnetic properties of urban topsoil and its metal, S, and Br content

Multivariate statistical analysis has been used for detailed examination of the relationship between the magnetic properties of Xuzhou urban topsoil, for example concentration-dependent properties (mass magnetic susceptibility (χ), susceptibility of anhysteretic remanent magnetization (χ _ARM), saturation isothermal remanent magnetization (SIRM), soft remanent magnetization (SOFT), and frequency-dependent magnetic susceptibility (χ _FD)) and feature-dependent properties (S _{−100 mT} ratio, SIRM/χ ratio and F _{300 mT} ratio), and the concentrations of metals (Ti, Fe, Cr, Al, Ga, Pb, Sc, Ba, Li, Cd, Be, Co, Cu, Mn, Ni, V, Zn, Mo, Pt, Pd, Au, As, Sb, Se, Hg, Bi, Ag, and Sn), S, and Br in the soil. The results show that SIRM/χ ratios correlate best with the heavy metals (Hg, Cr, Sb, As, and Bi) which are mainly derived from coal-combustion emissions whereas χ _FD correlates best with the metals (Al, Ti, V, Be, Co, Ga, Mn, and Li) which principally originate from soil parents. Concentration-dependent magnetic properties (χ _ARM, χ, SIRM, and SOFT) correlate well with elements (Se, Pb, Cu, Zn, Fe, Ag, Sc, Ba, Mo, Br, S, Cd, Ni, etc.) which are mainly derived from road-traffic emissions. For the same chemical element, χ _ARM, SIRM, and SOFT values are frequently better correlated than χ values, and χ _ARM values are the best indicators of the concentrations of these elements associated with traffic emissions in this study area. In addition, S _{−100 mT} ratios significantly correlate positively with Se, Sc, Pb, Cu, Zn, Mo, and S whereas F _{300 mT} ratios only correlate positively with Pt and negatively with Fe. These results confirm the suitability of different magnetic properties for characterizing the concentrations of heavy metals, S, and Br in Xuzhou urban topsoil.     

四川省癌死亡率与土壤环境中化学元素的关系

利用中国癌死亡率与土壤坏境中化学元素的相关性成果，研究了四川省癌死亡率与土壤环境中化学元素：As、Cd、Co、Cu、Hg、Mn、Ni、Pb、Se、V、Li、Na、K、Rb、Cs、Mg、Ca、Sr、Ba、B、Al、Ga、In、Tl、Sc、Y、La、Ce、Pr、Nd、Tb、Dy、Ho、Er、Tm、Yb、Lu、Th、U、Sn、Ti、Zr、Hf、Sb、Bi、Ta、Te、Mo、W、Br、I、Fe等52个元素含量的关系     

Concentration and distribution of elements in Late Permian coals from western Guizhou Province,China

With the aim of better understanding geochemistry of coal, 71 Late Permian whole-seam coal channel samples from western Guizhou Province, Southwest China were studied and 57 elements in them were determined. The contents of Al, Ca, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ga, Hf, K, Li, Mn, Mo, Nb, Ni, Sn, Ta, Ti, Th, U, V, Zr, and REEs in the Late Permian coals from western Guizhou Province are higher than the arithmetic means for the corresponding elements in the US coals, whereas As, Ba, Br, F, Hg, P, Se, and Tl are lower. Compared to common Chinese coals, the contents of Co, Cr, Cu, Ga, Hf, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, Sc, Sn, Ti, U, V, Zn, and Zr in western Guizhou coals are higher, and As, F, Hg, Rb, Sb, Tl, and W are lower. Five groups of elements may be classified according to their mode of occurrence in coal: The first two, Group A, Tm–Yb–Lu–Y–Er–Ho–Dy–Tb–Ce–La–Nd–Pr–Gd–Sm, and Group B, As–Sr–K–Rb–Ba–F–Ash–Si–Sn–Ga–Hf–Al–Ta–Zr–Be–Th–Na, have high positive correlation coefficients with ash yield and they show mainly inorganic affinity. Some elements from Group B, such as Ba, Be, Ga, Hf, and Th, are also characterized by significant aluminosilicate affinity. In addition, arsenic also exhibits high sulfide affinity (r_S–Fe>0.5). The elements, which have negative or lower positive correlation coefficients with ash yield (with exceptions of Bi, Cs, Nb, Mn, Se, and Ti), are grouped in other four associations: Group C, Cr–V–Mo–U–Cd–Tl; Group D, Hg–Li–Sc–Ti–Eu–Nb–Cs–W; Group E, Bi–Sb; and Group F, Co–Ni–Cu–Pb–Zn–Mg–Se–Ca–Mn–S–Fe. The correlation coefficients of some elements, including Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Li, Mo, Ni, P, S, Sc, U, V, and Zn, with ash yield are below the statistically significant value. Only Cr and Cu are negatively correlated to ash yield (−0.07 and −0.01, respectively), showing intermediate (organic and inorganic) affinity. Manganese and Fe are characterized by carbonate affinity probably due to high content of epigenetic veined ankerite in some coals. Phosphorus has low correlation coefficients with any other elements and is not included in these six associations. There are five possible genetic types of enrichment of elements in coal from western Guizhou Province: source rock, volcanic ash, low-temperature hydrothermal fluid, groundwater, and magmatic hydrothermal inputs.     

Heavy meals in urban roadside soils, part 1: effect of particle size fractions on heavy metals partitioning

Urban roadside soils are important environmental media for assessing heavy metal concentrations in urban environment. However, among other things, heavy metal concentrations are controlled by soil particle grain size fractions. In this study, two roadside sites were chosen within the city of Xuzhou (China) to reflect differences in land use. Bulk soil samples were collected and then divided by particle diameter into five physical size fractions, 500–250, 250–125, 125–74, 74–45, < 45 μm. Concentrations of metals (Ti, Cr, Al, Ga, Pb, Ba, Cd, Co, Cu, Mn, Ni, V, Zn, Mo, As, Sb, Se, Hg, Bi, Ag) were determined for each individual fraction. These metals could be roughly classified into two groups: anthropogenic element (Pb, Ba, Cd, Cu, Zn, Mo, As, Sb, Se, Hg, Bi, Ag) and lithophile element (Ti, Cr, Al, Ga, Co, Mn, Ni, V) in terms of values of enrichment factor. As expected, higher concentrations of anthropogenic heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Mo, As, Hg, Bi, Ag) are observed in the finest particle grain size fraction (i.e. < 45 μm). However, heavy metals Se, Sb and Ba behave independently of selected grain size fractions. From the viewpoint of mass loading, more than 30% of the concentrations for all anthropogenic heavy metals are contributed by the particle grain size fractions of 45–74 μm at site 1 and more than 70% of the concentrations for all heavy metals are contributed by the particle grain size fractions of 45–74 and 74–125 μm at site 2. These results are important for transport of soil-bound heavy metals and pollution control by various remedial options.     

流域上游基岩与下游冲积平原土壤化学组成的对比

对海河水系流域、鄱阳湖水系流域上游的基岩与下游的冲积平原土壤之间化学组成的对比研究显示,下游冲积物土壤的化学组成明显地受源岩成分、形成过程和形成环境的影响。流域上游基岩的一些特征元素在冲积物土壤中被明显地继承,如海河流域基岩和土壤中的CO2、CaO、MgO、FeO、Sr,鄱阳湖流域基岩和土壤中的W、Sn、Bi、U、Th、Pb、Rb、Tl、As、Sb、Se、Hg、Nb、Ta、Hf、B、Be、Ge、Pt、Pd、Y。受形成过程和形成环境的影响,处于暖温带半湿润季风气候下的海河流域冲积平原土壤以极富集CO2、CaO、Na2O、Cl,显著富集MgO、FeO、Sr,富集P、S为特征;而处于亚热带湿润季风气候下的鄱阳湖流域冲积平原土壤则以显著富集Hg、Se和富集Al2O3、Fe2O3H2O^＋、W、Sn、Bi、Mo、U、Th、Pb、Rb、Cs、Tl、Li、Be、B、Ga、Ge、Nb、Ta、Zr、Hf、As、Sb、Co、Cr、Ti、V、Zn、Pt、Pd、REE、Y为特征。无论是海河流域还是鄱阳湖流域的冲积平原土壤,均富集As、Sb、Hg、B、Cl、W、Sn、Bi、Pb、Se、Ge、Li、Cs、Cu、Au、Fe2O3、V、Cr、Ni、Zr、Hf、Y。     

Environmental quality evaluation of the Vacacaí River, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

The water quality of the Vacacaí River was assessed at different sites in the period between winter 2005 and autumn 2006. All samples were analyzed for 52 elements (Sc, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Th, Li, Be, Mg, Al, Ca, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Co, Cu, Zn, Ga, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Ag, Cd, In, Cs, Ba, Tl, Pb, Bi, U, Na, K, Hg, B, Mo, Sn, Te, Ti), temperature, pH, ammonia, and alkalinity levels. Water from the Vacacaí River ranged from slightly acidic to alkaline. No difference was observed in the chemical composition at different sites of the Vacacaí River. Levels of Ba, Ca, Sr and Mg increase in the dry seasons and reach their highest concentrations in autumn; Be and U decrease in the dry season and reach their highest concentration in spring. Al, Fe, Cr, Ni, Th, U Mn, Ca and Mg are highly positively related, indicating a common origin. Se and Cu are probably from anthropogenic source, from the rice crops of the margins of the river. Waterborne Al and Fe levels were above the desirable level for drinking water at all sites during all seasons. These results demonstrate the need for constant monitoring of water parameters, which is crucial to ensure water quality for the population of this region.     

中国不同构造单元花岗岩类元素丰度及特征

:依据采自全国范围内750个有代表性的大中型花岗岩类岩体上的767件组合样的实测分析数据,本文计算并提出了天山-兴安造山系、中朝准地台、昆仑-祁连-秦岭造山系、滇藏造山系、扬子准地台、华南-右江造山带、喜马拉雅造山带等中国七大构造单元花岗岩类和不同构造单元碱长花岗岩、正长花岗岩、二长花岗岩中SiO2、Al2O3、Fe2O3、FeO、MgO、CaO、Na2O、K2O、H2O 、CO2、TFe2O3、Ag、As、Au、B、Ba、Be、Bi、Cd、Cl、Co、Cr、Cs、Cu、F、Ga、Ge、Hf、Hg、Li、Mn、Mo、Nb、Ni、P、Pb、Rb、S、Sb、Sc、Se、Sn、Sr、Ta、Th、Ti、Tl、U、V、W、Zn、Zr、La、Ce、Pr、Nd、Sm、Eu、Gd、Tb、Dy、Ho、Er、Tm、Yb、Lu和Y等近70种化学元素和成分的丰度,探讨了不同构造单元花岗岩类岩石的岩石化学特征和微量元素丰度的特征及其区域分布。     

Mineral and inorganic chemical composition of the Pernik coal, Bulgaria

The mineral and inorganic chemical composition of five types of samples from the Pernik subbituminous coals and their products generated from the Pernik preparation plant were studied. They include feed coal, low-grade coal, high-grade coal, coal slime, and host rock. The mineral matter of the coals contains 44 species that belong mainly to silicates, carbonates, sulphates, sulphides, and oxides/hydroxides, and to a lesser extent, chlorides, biogenic minerals, and organic minerals. The detrital minerals are quartz, kaolinite, micas, feldspars, magnetite, cristobalite, spessartine, and amphibole. The authigenic minerals include various sulphides, silicates, oxihydroxides, sulphates, and carbonates. Several stages and substages of formation were identified during the syngenetic and epigenetic mineral precipitations of these coals. The authigenic minerals show the greatest diversity of mineral species as the epigenetic mineralization (mostly sulphides, carbonates, and sulphates) dominates qualitatively and quantitatively. The epigenetic mineralization was a result of complex processes occurring mostly during the late development of the Pernik basin. These processes indicate intensive tectonic, hydrothermal and volcanic activities accompanied by a change from fresh to marine sedimentation environment. Thermally altered organic matter due to some of the above processes was also identified in the basin. Most of the trace elements in the Pernik coals (Mo, Be, S, Zr, Y, Cl, Ba, Sc, Ga, Ag, V, P, Br, Ni, Co, Pb, Ca, and Ti) show an affinity to OM and phases intimately associated with OM. Some of the trace elements (Sr, Ti, Mn, Ba, Pb, Cu, Zn, Co, Cr, Ni, As, Ag, Yb, Sn, Ga, Ge, etc.) are impurities in authigenic and accessory minerals, while other trace elements (La, Ba, Cu, Ce, Sb, Bi, Zn, Pb, Cd, Nd, etc.) occur as discrete phases. Elements such as Sc, Be, Y, Ba, V, Zr, S, Mo, Ti, and Ga exceed Clarke concentrations in all of the coal types studied. It was also found that a number of elements in the Pernik coals (F, V, As, Pb, Mo, Li, Sr, Ti, Ga, Ni, Ge, Cr, Mn, etc.) reveal mobility in water and could have some environmental concerns.     

Element concentrations and variations along a 120-km transect in southern Norway – Anthropogenic vs. geogenic vs. biogenic element sources and cycles

Rock samples and the C-, B- and O-horizons of soils developed on these rocks were collected in forested areas along a 120-km south–north transect in southern Norway, passing through the city of Oslo. Forty samples (1 site/3 km) were analysed for 37 chemical elements (Ag, Al, As, Au, B, Ba, Bi, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ga, Hg, K, La, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, Pb, S, Sb, Sc, Se, Sr, Te, Th, Ti, Tl, U, V, W and Zn) following an aqua regia digestion; pH (water extract) and loss on ignition were also determined. The O-horizon soils were additionally analysed for Pt. Gold is the only element that shows a clear anthropogenic peak in the O-horizon soils collected from the city of Oslo. Silver, Au, Bi, Cd, Hg, Pb, S, Sb, Se and Sr all show a strong enrichment in the O-horizon when compared to the underlying C-horizon or the bedrock along the full length of the transect. Neither geology nor anthropogenic input of elements dominate the observed patterns. The most important factors for the observed element concentrations in the O-horizon are weathering, uptake (or rejection) of elements by plants and the kinetics of decay of the organic material in the O-horizon. Climate, especially temperature and precipitation, has an important influence on the formation and decay rates of the organic soil layer. Acid precipitation will delay the decomposition of the organic layer and lead to a natural enrichment of several metals in the O-horizon. Land use change, deforestation and liming can all increase the decay kinetics of organic matter and thus result in a release of the stored element pool.     

Interelement relationship in abyssal Pacific ferromanganese nodules and associated pelagic sediments

By R-mode factor analysis and enrichment factor calculations, most of the elements in abyssal ferromanganese nodules and associated pelagic sediments (excluding common authigenic minerals like apatite, barite, opal and carbonates) are found to be preferentially concentrated in one of the following three major phases: aluminosilicates (e.g., Al, Si, Sc, Ga, Cr, Be, Na, K, Rb and Cs), Fe-oxides (e.g., Fe, P, S, V, Se, Te, As, B, Sn, U, Hg, Pb, Ti, Ge, Y, Zr, Nb, Pd, In, rare-earths, Hf, Th, Pa, Pu, Am, Ru and Bi), and Mn-oxides (e.g., Mn, Tl, Ag, Cd, Mg, Ca, Ba, Ra, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Mo, Sb and probably W). The specific association of elements with these three phases can be explained by the difference in chemical forms of elements in seawater and by fundamental differences in physicochemical properties (e.g., the pH of zero point of charge and dieletric constant) of these three phases.     

New data for geology and geochemistry of the Rodion gold–quartz deposit,northeastern Russia

This paper is focused on the new data for geology, mineralogy, and geochemistry of stockworks consisting of steep and gentle quartz veins and veinlets forming a complex multilevel structure at the Rodion deposit. These stockworks range from 25 to 150 m in thickness. Average gold grade is 1.8 g/t. Ore minerals pyrite, arsenopyrite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, galena, and native gold are predominantly concentrated on the vein and veinlet walls. Thermal metamorphism caused by the intrusion of the Ulakhan granodiorite pluton is the important singularity of the deposit. The deposit ore is enriched in chalcophile microelements Au, Ag, As, Sb, Cu, Pb, Zn, and Bi as compared to the average composition of the upper crust and hosting Permian sequences. The enrichment factors range from a few to hundreds of times. Bi, W, Pb, Ag, and Na₂O are positively correlated between each other and with Au. The highest correlation coefficient 0.59 is between Au and Bi. Au is negatively correlated with Ba, Li, Co, Ni, Mn, Ti, and Be. The stockwork ores were formed involving homogeneous low-saline (9.4–4.3 wt % NaCl equiv) substantially aqueous bicarbonate-chloride fluid at 275–330°C and 300–1840 bar fluid pressure. Fluid has a high concentration of CO₂ (up to 349 g/kg of water) and is reductive (СО₂/СН₄ = 17–37.3). Na and Ca are the major cations in the fluid, whereas K and Mg are minor. In addition, many microelements were detected in the fluid: As, Li, Rb, Cs, Mo, Ag, Sb, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, U, Ga, Ge, Ti, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, V, Cr, Y, Zr, Sn, Ba, W, Au, Hg, and REE. The results obtained are consistent with the metamorphic–magmatic formation model of orogenic gold–quartz deposits within the Yana–Kolyma belt.     

Geochemical and Environmental Evaluation of Um Shashoba Gold Mine Area,Southeastern Desert,Egypt

A suite of elements(Ag,Au,Ba,Bi,Cd,Co,Cr,Cu,Ga,Hf,Hg,Mn,Mo,Ni,Pb,Rb,Sb,Se, Sr,Te and Zn),total organic carbon(TOC)and pH were analyzed in stream sediment and tailing samples from Um Shashoba area,in order to evaluate Au placer and the sediments being impacted by old mining activities.Analytical results were examined using statistical,graphical and mapping methods.In spite of the results revealing that Au and most of the elements in sediments were in general significantly lower than those in tailing,Au wa...     

残坡积土壤层中铁锰氧化物的吸附特性及其地球化学找矿意义

作者用不同方法研究了粤北某铅锌矿区近矿灰岩风化土壤中铁锰氧化物对微量元素的富集作用。发现铁锰氧化物对Sb、Pb、Cd、Ni等元素具有强烈的吸附作用;对Zn、Cu等21种元素有程度不等的吸附;对Ti、Sr等12种元素不吸附。据此,作者认为在土壤地球化学找矿中,应着重在铁锰结核层和铁锰粘土层取样,或用编提取方法分析铁锰氧化物相的元素含量,强化异常,提高找矿效果。     

Pedo-geochemical baseline content levels and soil quality reference values of trace elements in soils from the Mediterranean (Castilla La Mancha, Spain)

To evaluate trace element soil contamination, geochemical baseline contents and reference values need to be established. Pedo-geochemical baseline levels of trace elements in 72 soil samples of 24 soil profiles from the Mediterranean, Castilla La Mancha, are assessed and soil quality reference values are calculated. Reference value contents (in mg kg^?1) were: Sc 50.8; V 123.2; Cr 113.4; Co 20.8; Ni 42.6; Cu 27.0; Zn 86.5; Ga 26.7; Ge 1.3; As 16.7; Se 1.4; Br 20.1; Rb 234.7; Sr 1868.4; Y 38.3; Zr 413.1; Nb 18.7; Mo 2.0; Ag 7.8; Cd 4.4; Sn 8.7; Sb 5.7; I 25.4; Cs 14.2; Ba 1049.3; La 348.4; Ce 97.9; Nd 40.1; Sm 10.7; Yb 4.2; Hf 10.0; Ta 4.0; W 5.5; Tl 2.3; Pb 44.2; Bi 2.2; Th 21.6; U 10.3. The contents obtained for some elements are below or close to the detection limit: Co, Ge, Se, Mo, Ag, Cd, Sb, Yb, Hf, Ta, W, Tl and Bi. The element content ranges (the maximum value minus the minimum value) are: Sc 55.0, V 196.0, Cr 346.0, Co 64.4, Ni 188.7, Cu 49.5, Zn 102.3, Ga 28.7, Ge 1.5, As 26.4, Se 0.9, Br 33.0 Rb 432.7, Sr 3372.6, Y 39.8, Zr 523.2, Nb 59.7, Mo 3.9, Ag 10.1, Cd 1.8, Sn 75.2, Sb 9.9, I 68.0, Cs 17.6, Ba 1394.9, La 51.3, Ce 93.5, Nd 52.5, Sm 11.2, Yb 4.2, Hf 11.3, Ta 6.3, W 5.2, Tl 2.1, Pb 96.4, Bi 3.0, Th 24.4, U 16.4 (in mg kg^?1). The spatial distribution of the elements was affected mainly by the nature of the bedrock and by pedological processes. The upper limit of expected background variation for each trace element in the soil is documented, as is its range as a criterion for evaluating which sites may require decontamination.     

Geochemical gradients in soil O-horizon samples from southern Norway: Natural or anthropogenic?

Forty soil O- and C-horizon samples were collected along a south-to-north transect extending inland for approximately 200 km from the southern tip of Norway. The elements As, Au, Bi, Cd, Cu, Ga, Ge, Hf, Hg, In, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, V, W, Zn and Zr all show a distinct decrease in concentration in soil O-horizons with increasing distance from the coast. The elements showing the strongest coastal enrichment, some by more than an order of magnitude compared to inland samples, are Au, Bi, As, Pb, Sb and Sn. Furthermore, the elements Cd (median O-/median C-horizon = 31), C, Sb, Ag, K, S, Ge (10), Hg, Pb, As, Bi, Sr (5), Se, Au, Ba, Na, Zn, P, Cu and Sn (2) are all strongly enriched in the O-horizon when compared to the underlying C-horizon. Lead isotope ratios, however, do not show any gradient with distance from the coast (declining Pb concentration). Along a 50 km topographically steep east–west transect in the centre of the survey area, far from the coast but crossing several vegetation zones, similar element enrichment patterns and concentration gradients can be observed in the O-horizon. Lead isotope ratios in the O-horizon correlate along both transects with pH and the C/N-ratio, both proxies for the quality of the organic material. Natural conditions in southern Norway, related to climate and vegetation, rather than long range atmospheric transport of air pollutants (LRT), cause the observed features.     

Geochemical reconnaissance survey and environmental assessment for stream sediments of Wadi Um Gier,Southeastern Desert,Egypt

The purposes of this study were to assess the influence of old mining activities on the geochemistry and quality of sediments and to identify the sites of economic elements. Thirty sites of stream sediment were sampled in the study area covered by granitic, metarhyodacitic and meta-andesitic rocks and related tuffs-hosted abandoned Au mine. The suite of chemical elements, Ag, Bi, Cd, Cu, Fe, Ga, Hg, Mn, Nb, Pb, Rb, Sb, Se, Sn, Te, Th, U, Y, Zn and Zr, pH value and total organic carbon were determined, and univariate, bivariate and multivariate statistical methods were applied. The results show that the enrichment factor (EF) is very high in the case of Te and significant also with respect to Ag, Bi, Cu, Sb, Se, Sn and Zn. Likewise, geoaccumulation indices (Igeos) varied from very highly polluted with Sn and Te, strongly to very strongly polluted with Bi and Se, and moderately polluted with Sb. The polluted sites of Ag, Bi, Sb, Se, Sn and Te were outlined using Igeos maps, and economic sites of Ag and Sn were identified by geochemical maps leading to their sources, which are likely to be mining activities and lithogenic processes. The pollutant elements may cause toxicity in stream sediments, or surface or underground water, as well as plants and animals in the area. This investigation provides an environmental baseline for future monitoring of possible human/anthropogenic, industrial and agricultural impacts on the study area and considers an attempt at re-mining Ag and Sn.     

A regional-scale geochemical survey of soil O and C horizon samples in Nord-Trøndelag,Central Norway: Geology and mineral potential

A highly efficient, low-density sampling strategy was employed to study the geochemical expression of geological bodies and the mineral potential on the county scale in Central Norway. Soil O and C horizon samples (N = 752) were collected in Nord-Trøndelag and parts of Sør-Trøndelag, and analysed for 53 chemical elements (Ag, Al, As, Au, B, Ba, Be, Bi, Ca, Cd, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Fe, Ga, Ge, Hf, Hg, In, K, La, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Nb, Ni, P, Pb, Pd, Pt, Rb, Re, S, Sb, Sc, Se, Sn, Sr, Ta, Te, Th, Ti, Tl, U, V, W, Y, Zn, and Zr) and Pb isotopes in an aqua regia extraction. At the sample density of one site/36 km² the four metal deposits, which have been mined in the area within the last 50 years were all detected as geochemical anomalies. In addition, a number of new anomalies that may warrant follow-up surveys were found. In terms of geology the Grong–Olden Culmination is marked by a distinct ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁷Pb isotope anomaly. Geochemical differences distinguish the most important belts of mafic metavolcanic lithologies in the area. Though the Fosdalen iron ore deposit is only marked in the soil O horizon, the C horizon outlines the more prominent anomalies of possibly economic interest. Climatic factors like the input of marine aerosols along the coast are clearly visible in the soil O horizon. Low-density geochemical mapping of two sample materials provides important complementing information for the interpretation of the geochemical variation in Nord-Trøndelag county.     

Surface-water quality for the Salí River watershed in NW Argentina

Spatial and temporal variations of Na, Mg, Si, K, Ca, SO₄^2-, Cl^-, HCO₃^-, Ag, Al, As, Au, B, Ba, Be, Bi, Br, Ce, Cd, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Dy, Er, Eu, F, Fe, Ga, Ge, Gd, Hf, Hg, Ho, I, La, Li, Mn, Mo, Nb, Nd, Ni, P, Pb, Pr, Rb, Sb, Sm, Sn, Sr, Ta, Tb, Te, Th, Ti, Tl, U, V, W, Y, Yb, Zn, and Zr were monitored through 37 sampling stations to determine the main aspects influencing the surface-water quality in the Salí River watershed (Tucumán Province, NW Argentina). The influence of the regional geological setting on water chemistry allows to distinguish three sub-basins. The interaction with sedimentary rocks was found to be dominant in the northern and central-eastern sub-basin as well as in the southern sub-basin, whereas the metamorphic-granitic basement of the Pampean Ranges was noted in the central sub-basin. In addition, anthropogenic activities affect the spatial variation of K, P, Mn, Rb, and Pb as well as dissolved oxygen concentrations and Eh. Temporal water-quality variation is related to the spatial distribution of precipitation and to the seasonal character of the main local industries (sugar cane, alcohol, citrus), increasing P and K concentrations and decreasing dissolved oxygen concentration and Eh in winter. Cl^-, Na, SO₄^2-, Al, As, B, Fe, Mn, Se and U concentrations exceed the regulated drinking-water thresholds at several sampling stations.     

Seltene Elemente in österreichischen Kohlen- und Bitumengesteinen

Zusammenfassung 119 Kohlengesteine, Torf, Ölschiefer und andere organogene Sedimente österreichischer Herkunft wurden emissionsspektrographisch im Kohlen- und Doppelbogen auf Ag, As, Be, Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ga, Ge, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sn, Ti, Tl, V und Zn untersucht.Die vorliegende Arbeit enthält die Analysentabellen. Eine abschließende Arbeit mit der Auswertung der Resultate wird angekündigt.