湖南禾库地区水系沉积物地球化学特征及找矿预测

依据1∶5万水系沉积物测量资料,分析研究了湖南禾库地区水系沉积物地球化学特征。对元素分布、单元素异常、元素相关性、异常元素组合等特征的研究表明水系沉积物地球化学测量方法在高山峻岭、地形复杂的禾库地区有良好的找矿效果,并优选了嗅脑和杉木冲2处铅锌找矿远景区。     

内蒙古自治区东乌珠穆沁旗地区水系沉积物地球化学特征及找矿远景预测

在1:5万水系沉积物测量的基础上,对内蒙古自治区东乌珠穆沁旗地区水系沉积物地球化学特征进行了初步分析。对元素分布、单元素异常、元素相关性、异常元素组合等特征进行了研究。研究结果表明,元素异常组合呈有规律的分布,中低温元素分布在研究区的西北部及中部,优选了2处铜铅锌多金属找矿远景区及5处找矿靶区。     

辽宁省鸡冠山地区水系沉积物地球化学特征及找矿远景预测

在1：5万水系沉积物测量的基础上,对辽宁省鸡冠山地区的水系沉积物地球化学特征进行了初步分析.对元素分布、单元素异常、元素相关性、异常元素组合等特征进行了研究,表明水系沉积物地球化学测量方法在辽东地区具有良好的找矿效果.优选了3处金银铅锌多金属找矿远景区.     

湖南通道-五团地区水系沉积物地球化学特征及找矿预测

在1∶5万水系沉积物测量的基础上,对湖南通道-五团地区的水系沉积物地球化学特征进行初步分析。对元素分布、单元素异常、元素相关性、异常元素组合等特征进行了研究,结果表明水系沉积物地球化学测量方法在地形复杂、植被发育的通道-五团地区有良好的找矿效果,并优选了天堂界、鲤鱼坪和塘马三个找矿远景区。     

平武-松潘地区水系沉积物地球化学特征及找矿方向

依据1∶5万水系沉积物测量资料,分析研究了平武-松潘地区水系沉积物元素背景特征、不同地质体的地球化学特征、单元素异常特征、元素共生组合特征、综合异常特征等,并优选了找矿远景区,指明了找矿方向。     

都兰地区水系沉积物测量地球化学特征及找矿预测

在1：5万水系沉积物测量的基础上,对青海都兰高寒地区的水系沉积物地球化学特征进行了初步分析。对元素分布、单元素异常、元素相关性分析、异常元素组合等特征进行了研究,表明水系沉积物地球化学测量方法在高寒丘陵、高山峻岭地区良好的找矿效果,优选了3处金铜铅锌多金属找矿远景区。     

平武-松潘地区水系沉积物地球化学特征及找矿方向

依据1∶5万水系沉积物测量资料,分析研究了平武-松潘地区水系沉积物元素背景特征、不同地质体的地球化学特征、单元素异常特征、元素共生组合特征、综合异常特征等,并优选了找矿远景区,指明了找矿方向。     

中国南方地区碲地球化学特征

改进碲的分析测试方法,将碲的分析检出限降到0.005μg.g-1,从而能准确地测试土壤、水系沉积物和岩石等介质中微量Te。笔者从全国区域化探扫面副样库中,按每1∶50 000图幅1个组合样的密度,组合成5 244件样品,分析其中Te等元素的含量,绘制了中国南方地区Te地球化学图。从区域地球化学异常结合区域地质背景分析,中国南方地区的滇东和桂西地区发育的规模巨大的Te地球化学异常与该地区大面积出露的灰岩区土壤次生富集密切相关,灰岩上方土壤中Te的含量高于其他岩石上访土壤;郴州、韶关、香格里拉、大冶、铜陵等Te异常与该地区发育的铜多金属矿有关。     

老万场金矿及其外围水系沉积物元素地球化学特征

为揭示晴隆县老万场金矿及其外围水系沉积物的元素组成和富集情况与矿体的关系，将老万场金矿矿样、矿区水系沉积物、矿区外围不同异常范围内水系沉积物的元素平均值及全省的水系沉积物背景值进行了比较，发现老万场金矿水系沉积物与老万场金矿矿样具有相同的元素组合及富集趋势。     

青海立新地区水系沉积物地球化学特征及找矿预测

根据1∶5万水系沉积物测量分析结果,研究了青海立新地区水系沉积物地球化学特征。通过对元素的含量、元素的相关性、元素异常组合等特征的研究,结果显示地球化学水系沉积物测量在圈定找矿远景区上有较好的找矿效果,在此基础上结合区内地质成矿构造条件,优选了拉忍科钨铋多金属矿、多香琼陇铅铋多金属矿和巴陇斜尼金多金属矿3处找矿靶区。     

Elemental Concentrations of Stream Sediments in Southern China

Over 3 million samples were collected from southern China at a density of 1–2 stream sediment samples per square kilometre as part of the Regional Geochemistry National Reconnaissance (RGNR) programme of China initiated in the late 1970s. Approximately 5244 composite samples of stream sediments from twelve provinces of southern China were prepared from the original RGNR samples collected from a territory with an area of 2300000 km² at a density of one composite sample per 1:50000 map sheet (about 400 km²). Seventy‐six elements were determined by the geoanalysis laboratory of Henan Province (platinum‐group elements) and by the Institute of Geophysical and Geochemical Exploration (IGGE) laboratory for the remainder. Internal quality and external quality control methods were applied to ensure that the analytical data were comparable. Statistics were used to derive the mean and background values and indicate the average concentrations of the seventy‐six elements. Comparisons were made against the mean values obtained from stream sediments, floodplain sediments, overall sediments and overall soils of the entire territory of China. The concentrations of Hg, Cd, rare earth elements and 24 other elements were higher than their background for the whole of China. In contrast, the concentration of Na₂O, CaO, Ba and Sr were lower in the stream sediments in southern China than their whole China background.     

National-Scale Geochemical Mapping Projects in China

Regional, national and global scale geochemical mapping projects have been carried out in China since the late 1970s, due to the development of cost‐effective, low detection limit analytical methods. These projects have provided a huge mass of high‐quality, informative and comparable data for mineral resource exploration and are now making contributions to environmental assessment. In this paper, four national‐scale geochemical mapping projects are described. (1) The Regional Geochemistry‐National Reconnaissance Project (RGNR project), which is China's largest national geochemical mapping project, has covered 6 million km² of upland regions since 1978. Generally, stream sediment samples were collected at a density of 1/km² and four samples were composited into one sample and analysed for thirty‐nine elements. (2) The deep‐penetrating geochemical mapping project (DEEPMAP Project) has been conducted since 1994 in covered terrains, including sedimentary basins, at a density of 1 sample per 100 km² with thirty to seventy elements determined per sample. In the past 10 years, an area of approximately 800 000 km² has been covered and this project has played an important role in finding sandstone‐type uranium deposits in basins. (3) The seventy‐six geochemical element mapping project (76 GEM project) has been carried out since 1999 and involved the collection of stream sediment samples from the RGNR project targets which were analysed for seventy‐six elements. Samples from each 1:50 000 map sheet were composited into one analytical sample (approximately one composite sample per 400 km²). Approximately 1 million km² have been surveyed to date. (4) The multi‐purpose eco‐geochemical mapping project has been conducted since 1999 in Quaternary plain areas for environmental and agricultural applications. Surface soils (depths from 0–20 cm) were collected at a density of one sample per km², and four samples were composited into one for analysis. Deep soils (from a depth of 150 to 200 cm) were collected at a density of one sample per 4 km² and four samples were composited into one analytical sample. All the composite samples were analysed for fifty‐four elements.     

Emission spectrographic determination of volatile trace elements in geologic materials by a carrier distillation technique

Trace levels of chalcophile elements that form volatile sulfide minerals are determined in stream sediments and in the nonmagnetic fraction of a heavy-mineral concentrate of stream sediments by a carrier distillation emission spectrographic method. Photographically recorded spectra of samples are visually compared with those of synthetic standards for the two sample types. Rock and soil samples may also be analyzed by comparison with the stream-sediment standards. A gallium oxide spectrochemical carrier/buffer enhances the early emission of the volatile elements.Detection limits in parts per million attained are: Sb 5, As 20, Bi 0.1, Cd 1, Cu 1, Pb 2, Ag 0.1, Zn 2, and Sn 0.1. A comparison with other methods of analysis, total-burn emission and atomic absorption spectroscopy, shows good correlation for standard reference for materials and samples from a variety of geologic terranes.     

Influence of mining activity on the downstream sediments of scheelite mines in Currais Novos (NE Brazil)

The study area is one of the most important mineral provinces of the Rio Grande do Norte State (NE Brazil), which has been extensively exploited since 1940. This article presents a geochemical investigation of stream sediments taken in the drainage system between the Brejuí and Barra Verde scheelite mines, and the Gargalheiras municipal reservoir, in Acari city. In addition to the major elements, the trace elements V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Rb, Sr, Zr, Mo, Sn, Ba, W were analyzed and compared to metal levels reported in the literature for the same area. The elements W, Mo, Cu, Sn and in part Zn are enriched in sediments of rivulets forming the drainage system close to the mining district. This is due to emission from uncovered mine waste dumps. Dispersion of elements is controlled by both, aeolian as well as fluvial transport. The concentration of Cu in stream sediments close to the mines reaches toxic levels. At the mouth of the drainage system to the reservoir, the elements W and Mo are still enriched in the stream sediments relative to the geogenic background by factors of 15 and 11, respectively. This indicates the probable influence of mining activity to the reservoir sediments, and mobilization of W and Mo in the reservoir water cannot be ruled out.     

Heavy metal concentrations in sediments of streams affected by a sanitary landfill: A comparison of metal enrichment in two size sediment fractions

The purpose of this study was to determine if metal concentrations are enriched in two size sediment fractions of streams that receive landfill effluent and, if so, whether there is a greater extent of metal enrichment in one of the fractions. Sediment samples were collected from three streams adjacent to a sanitary landfill. Sediments representing control for the study were also collected from a stream not influenced by the landfill. All samples were sieved and the <0.0625-mm and <0.25-mm to >0.149-mm size fractions from each sample were used in this study. The concentrations of acid-extractable Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cr for all samples were determined by atomic absorption techniques. Mean concentrations, coefficient of variation values, at test, and the variation of metal concentrations along the stream were used to analyze the data. Results indicated that Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cr concentrations were enriched in both size sediment fractions from the stream whose channel originated at the base of the landfill. Copper, Zn, and Pb concentrations were enriched in the <0.0625-mm size sediments of the stream whose channel did not intersect the landfill. Copper, Zn, Pb, and Cr concentrations appear enriched in both size sediment fractions of the third stream, which formed from the confluence of the other two streams. The extent of metal enrichment was greater in the <0.0625-mm size sediments. A decreasing trend of metal concentrations in a downstream direction was not present in the enriched sediments. This was true for each metal in both size sediment fractions.     

Distribution of trace elements in the coastal sea sediments of Maslinica Bay, Croatia

Spatial distributions of trace elements in the coastal sea sediments and water of Maslinica Bay (Southern Adriatic), Croatia and possible changes in marine flora and foraminifera communities due to pollution were investigated. Macro, micro and trace elements’ distributions in five granulometric fractions were determined for each sediment sample. Bulk sediment samples were also subjected to leaching tests. Elemental concentrations in sediments, sediment extracts and seawater were measured by source excited energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF). Concentrations of the elements Cr, Cu, Zn, and Pb in bulk sediment samples taken in the Maslinica Bay were from 2.1 to over six times enriched when compared with the background level determined for coarse grained carbonate sediments. A low degree of trace elements leaching determined for bulk sediments pointed to strong bonding of trace elements to sediment mineral phases. The analyses of marine flora pointed to higher eutrophication, which disturbs the balance between communities and natural habitats.     

Geochemistry of Çoruh River Bed Sediments in NE Turkey: Implications in Weathering-Sedimentary Cycle,Provenance, and Metal Pollution

This study defines the source area, sub-aerial weathering, and sedimentary cycle level, as well as heavy metal content and origin, of the Çoruh River bed sediments. The studied sediments are geochemically classified as litharenite based on the ratio of the major element contents. Relative to the Upper Continental Crust (UCC), trace elements Rb, Sr, Ba, Th, U, Zr, Hf, Y, Nb, and Pb are generally depleted; Co, Ni, Cu, Sc, and V are generally enriched; and Au is depleted in some places and enriched in other places. The rare earth element (REE) distributions of the samples exhibit a trend similar to that of the upper continental crust (UCC); however, low to moderate depletion occurs in the bed sediments in UCC. The analyzed samples exhibit low Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA) values, Plagioclase Index of Alteration (PIA) values (<50), CIA/WIP (Weathering Index ratios <1), and substantially high Index of Compositional Variability values (ICV) (>1). Thus, the samples are not chemically mature and are mainly derived from non-altered sources and were exposed the simple cycling history. REEs are depleted in the river bed sediments, unlike the world river average silt, world river average clay, and suspended sediment in world rivers. Minor enrichment of Zn, Sn, and Sc contents, low-to-moderate enrichment of Cu content, very severe enrichment of as content, and extremely severe enrichment of Ni content of the analyzed samples are observed. Consequently, stream bed sediments are derived from intermediate sources close to mid-continental crust rather than felsic sources Low-to-moderate degrees of chemical weathering of these sediments indicate increased tectonic activity, increased erosion, and rapid sedimentation in semiarid to arid conditions in the source regions over time. Thus, the sediments are chemically immature. These sediments are exposed to lithogenic and anthropogenic contamination.     

Sources of stream sediments in the granulite terrain of the Walawe Ganga Basin,Sri Lanka,indicated by rare earth element geochemistry

Thirty-eight samples of stream sediments draining high-grade metamorphic rocks in the Walawe Ganga (river) Basin, Sri Lanka, were analysed for their REE contents, together with samples of metamorphic suites from the source region. The metamorphic rocks are enriched in light REE (LREE) compared to heavy REE (HREE) and are characterised by high La/Lu ratios and negative Eu anomalies. The chondrite-normalised patterns for these granulite-grade rocks are similar to that of the average post-Archaean upper crust, but they are slightly enriched with La and Ce. The REE contents of the <63-μm fraction of the stream sediments are similar to the probable source rocks, but the other grain size fractions show more enriched patterns. The <63-μm stream sediments fraction contains lower total REE, more pronouncd negative Eu anomalies, higher Eu_N/Sm_N and lower La _N/Lu_N ratios relative to other fractions. The lower La _N/Lu_N ratio is related to the depletion of heavy minerals in the <63-μm fraction. The 63–125-μm and 125–177-μm grain size fractions of sediments are particularly enriched in LREE (average ΣLREE=2990 μg/g and 3410 μg/g, respectively). The total HREE contents are surprisingly uniform in all size fractions. However, the REE contents in the Walawe Ganga sediments are not comparable with those of the granulite-grade rocks from the source region of the sediments. The enrichment of REE is accounted for by the presence of REE containing accessory mineral phases such as zircon, monazite, apatite and garnet. These minerals are derived from an unknown source, presumably from scattered bodies of granitic pegmatites.     

Investigating high zircon concentrations in the fine fraction of stream sediments draining the Pan-African Dahomeyan Terrane in Nigeria

Sixteen hundred stream sediments (<150 μm fraction) collected during regional geochemical surveys in central and SW Nigeria have high median and maximum concentrations of Zr that exceed corresponding Zr concentrations found in stream sediments collected from elsewhere in the World with similar bedrock geology. X-ray diffraction studies on a sub-set of the analysed stream sediments showed that Zr is predominantly found in detrital zircon grains. However, the main proximal source rocks (Pan-African ‘Older Granites’ of Nigeria and their Proterozoic migmatitic gneiss country rocks) are not enriched in zircon (or Zr). Nevertheless, U–Pb LA-ICP-MS dating with cathodoluminescence imaging on detrital zircons, both from stream sediment samples and underlying Pan-African ‘Older Granites’ confirms a local bedrock source for the stream sediment zircons. A combination of tropical/chemical weathering and continuous physical weathering, both by ‘wet season’ flash flooding and ‘dry season’ unidirectional winds are interpreted to have effectively broken down bedrock silicate minerals and removed much of the resultant clay phases, thereby increasing the Zr contents in stream sediments. The strong correlation between winnowing index (Th/Al) and Zr concentration across the study area support this interpretation. Therefore, ‘anomalous’ high values of Zr, as well as other elements concentrated in resistant ‘heavy’ minerals in Nigeria’s streams may not reflect proximal bedrock concentrations of these elements. This conclusion has important implications for using stream sediment chemistry as an exploration tool in Nigeria for primary metal deposits associated with heavy minerals.     

Application of multi-element statistical analysis for regional geochemical mapping in Central Japan

Some 434 stream sediment samples were collected in Central Japan for a nationwide geochemical mapping project. The resulting geochemical maps are compared with geological, mineral resource and land use maps. Spatial distribution patterns of elemental concentrations in stream sediments are determined mainly by surface geology. Elevated elemental concentrations of alkali elements, Be, Ga, Y, Cs, Ba, lanthanide (Ln), Tl, Th, and U are consistent with outcrop areas of granite, felsic volcanic rock, and accretionary complexes. High concentrations of MgO, Al₂O₃, P₂O₅, CaO, 3d transition metals, Zn, and Sr are present in sediments supplied from mafic volcanic rock, high pressure metamorphic rocks, and mafic-ultramafic rocks in accretionary complexes.A procedure is established and guidelines are set for a statistical test suite for geochemical mapping. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multiple comparison tests are effective for comparing means among the data subsets that are classified by parent lithological materials. Among the many procedures that have been proposed for multiple comparison tests, the Holm procedure was selected for this study. Multiple comparison statistically confirmed the correspondence of elemental abundance in stream sediments with surface geologies. However, visual interpretation of some elements is inconsistent with results of multiple comparison. According to the Holm procedure, the U content in stream sediments is affected not by granite, but by felsic volcanic rock. The Holm procedure clarifies that As, Sb, and Bi, that are not explained by the presence of mineral deposits, are enriched significantly in samples derived from accretionary complexes. Hydrothermal activity on the ocean floor might affect their levels of enrichment. Significant enrichment of Cu, Zn, Cd, Sn, Sb, Hg, and Pb observed in urban areas are also supported by the Holm procedure. The authors inferred that these sediment samples had been contaminated.