Major and trace element anomalies in stream sediments of the Teign Valley Orefield

A detailed geochemical and sedimentological study of twenty-two bulk stream sediments in the Teign Valley of southwest Devon shows the influence of lithology, mineralization and contamination on such cumulative samples. K, Cu and Ni in stream sediments emerge as potential indicators of lithology. Ba and S values, as well as barytes concentrations, demonstrate the contribution of Ba, Zn and Pb mineral lodes, whilst Fe, S and heavy-mineral percentages emphasize that of Fe lodes and contamination. As, Pb and Zn anomalies are observed within Fe-oxide crusts giving evidence of Fe in the role of scavenger. High Mn values are attributed to precipitations of the metal derived largely from impregnations of the Culm.