The behavior of the rare earth elements and yttrium in groundwaters of the Holy Cross Mountains region, SE Poland_Kaczor-Kurzawa et al. 2023
Description
In this study, we show how the tracking of REEs+Y behavior can support chemical and isotopic methods in assessment of hydro-geochemical processes, such as water–rock interactions, water chemistry evolution and fluctuation in redox and pH conditions in differentiated hydrogeological systems, especially those developed in the areas of variable geology. We describe the factors shaping REE+Y concentrations, mechanisms and results of REE fractionation reflected by REE pattern types, as well as the development of Ce and Eu anomalies, together with their controlling geochemical processes operating in the groundwaters studied. We demonstrate that tracing variability of REE behavior, along with that of basic chemical and isotopic water components, enables a more comprehensive characterization of geochemical processes, and adds value to hydrogeochemical studies aimed at assessment of geological and environmental conditions in aquifers.