Lithology as a factor for the distribution of metals in stream sediments associated with sediment-hosted Cu deposits: a case study from the Alta-Kvænangen tectonic window, northern Norway.
Laura Posarić, Sabina Strmić Palinkaš, Johan Hilmo, Željka Fiket, Andrea Čobić, Hana Fajković
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
The Kåfjord area in northern Norway hosts numerous Cu deposits that were subjected to mining activities back in the nineteenth century. Relicts of the historical mining activity are still visible at several abandoned mines and associated mine waste disposal sites that may represent an environmental threat. The area was subjected to mining activities during the nineteenth century and abandoned mines and associated mine waste disposal sites still may represent a significant environmental threat. The Cu mineralization, found within the Paleoproterozoic Alta-Kvænangen Tectonic Window, primarily occurs as epigenetic sulfide-quartz-carbonate hydrothermal veins that crosscut the Kvenvik volcano-sedimentary complex and the overlying Storviknes sedimentary sequence. This study aims to determine the geochemical composition of stream sediments associated with the sediment-hosted Cu deposits and examine the role of host lithologies in the dispersion of elements associated with the deposits. Sediments from two streams and a river in the Kåfjord area were analyzed using phase and element analyses (aqua regia chemistry), complemented by a seven-step sequential extraction procedure. Results from Annaselva stream, draining Cu occurrences in the carbonate sediments of the Storviknes sequence, showed a significant positive correlation of Cu with mobile chalcophile elements (Pb, Zn, Ni, Tl, Hg, Ag, Sb, Bi) and lithophile elements (Sr, Ca, Ba, Al, K). In contrast, Brakkelva stream, draining the mafic volcanics of the Kvenvik complex, exhibited no statistically significant correlations between Cu and any of the analyzed elements. Møllneselva River, draining both lithologies, showed a strong Cu-Sc correlation, with principal component analysis indicating limited distinction between lithology-derived elements. These results did not completely align with statistical analysis outcomes highlighting the challenges of statistical data interpretation using a limited number of samples.
期刊介绍：
Environmental Geochemistry and Health publishes original research papers and review papers across the broad field of environmental geochemistry. Environmental geochemistry and health establishes and explains links between the natural or disturbed chemical composition of the earth’s surface and the health of plants, animals and people.
Beneficial elements regulate or promote enzymatic and hormonal activity whereas other elements may be toxic. Bedrock geochemistry controls the composition of soil and hence that of water and vegetation. Environmental issues, such as pollution, arising from the extraction and use of mineral resources, are discussed. The effects of contaminants introduced into the earth’s geochemical systems are examined. Geochemical surveys of soil, water and plants show how major and trace elements are distributed geographically. Associated epidemiological studies reveal the possibility of causal links between the natural or disturbed geochemical environment and disease. Experimental research illuminates the nature or consequences of natural or disturbed geochemical processes.
The journal particularly welcomes novel research linking environmental geochemistry and health issues on such topics as: heavy metals (including mercury), persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and mixed chemicals emitted through human activities, such as uncontrolled recycling of electronic-waste; waste recycling; surface-atmospheric interaction processes (natural and anthropogenic emissions, vertical transport, deposition, and physical-chemical interaction) of gases and aerosols; phytoremediation/restoration of contaminated sites; food contamination and safety; environmental effects of medicines; effects and toxicity of mixed pollutants; speciation of heavy metals/metalloids; effects of mining; disturbed geochemistry from human behavior, natural or man-made hazards; particle and nanoparticle toxicology; risk and the vulnerability of populations, etc.
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