Study of REE concentrations and fractionation patterns in surface sediments in the Tinto and Odiel river estuary(SW Spain)

摘要

Sc, Y, Th, Cu and rare earth elements (REE) concentrations have been analyzed in 14 samples of surfacesediments by means of ICP-MS. Mean concentrations of Sc, Y and Th in these sediments are lower thanthose presents in the Upper Continental Crust (UCC). Cu concentration is very high and is caused byinputs from the Odiel and Tinto rivers, affected by acid mine drainage. åREE mean concentration is lowerthan that observed in other rivers and estuaries. Plots of North American Shale Composite (NASC)-normalizedREE data of surface sediments show a slight depletion in REE concentrations. Most samples present withmiddle REE enrichment relative to light REE and heavy REE