A geochemical study of rocks and spring waters at Kanam and Kanjera, Kenya, and the implications concerning element mobility and uptake

Abstract

Analyses of rocks, minerals, fossil bone and hot spring waters from Kanam and Kanjera, Kenya, are presented. The data show evidence of rare earth element mobility and uptake. Spring waters from both localities are rich in bicarbonate and fluoride; those from Kanjera are also unusually rich in zirconium. All analysed rock specimens are enriched in rare earths relative to chondrites and are further enriched in light rare earths relative to the heavy rare earths. There has been significant uptake of rare earth and other trace elements by bone apatite and travertime, in contrast to the behaviour of trona.