Spatial variability and geochemistry of rare earth elements in soils from the largest uranium-phosphate deposit of Brazil

Environmental Geochemistry and Health
Cleyton Saialy Medeiros CunhaClístenes Williams Araújo do Nascimento

Abstract

The Itataia uranium-phosphate deposit is the largest uranium reserve in Brazil. Rare earth elements (REEs) are commonly associated with phosphate deposits; however, there are no studies on the concentrations of REEs in soils of the Itataia deposit region. Thus, the objective of the research was to evaluate the concentration and spatial variability of REEs in topsoils of Itataia phosphate deposit region. In addition, the influence of soil properties on the geochemistry of REEs was investigated. Results showed that relatively high mean concentrations (mg kg-1) of heavy REEs (Gd 6.01; Tb 1.25; Ho 1.15; Er 4.05; Tm 0.64; Yb 4.61; Lu 0.65) were found in surface soils samples. Soil properties showed weak influence on the geochemical behavior of REEs in soils, except for the clay content. On the other hand, parent material characteristics, such as P and U, had strong influence on REEs concentrations. Spatial distribution patterns of REEs in soils are clearly associated with P and U contents. Therefore, geochemical surveys aiming at the delineation of ore-bearing zones in the region can benefit from our data. The results of this work reinforce the perspective for co-mining of P, U and REEs in this important P-U reserve.

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Citations

Oct 12, 2018·Environmental Science and Pollution Research International·Yuri Jacques Agra Bezerra da SilvaAdrian L Collins
Jul 13, 2020·Environmental Geochemistry and Health·Juliana A GalhardiKevin J Wilkinson
Dec 15, 2019·The Science of the Total Environment·Juliana A GalhardiKevin J Wilkinson
Aug 25, 2021·Environmental Pollution·Fábio Henrique Alves BispoLuiz Roberto Guimarães Guilherme

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