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

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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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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Av. Mister Hull, s/n, Campus do Pici, Fortaleza, CE, 60440-554, Brazil

    Cleyton Saialy Medeiros Cunha

  2. Agronomy Department, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (UFRPE), Dom Manuel de Medeiros Street, s/n - Dois Irmãos, Recife, PE, 52171-900, Brazil

    Ygor Jacques Agra Bezerra da Silva & Clístenes Williams Araújo do Nascimento

  3. Soil Science Department, Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Av. Mister Hull, s/n, Campus do Pici, Fortaleza, CE, 60455760, Brazil

    Maria Eugenia Ortiz Escobar

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  1. Cleyton Saialy Medeiros Cunha
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Cunha, C.S.M., da Silva, Y.J.A.B., Escobar, M.E.O. et al. Spatial variability and geochemistry of rare earth elements in soils from the largest uranium–phosphate deposit of Brazil. Environ Geochem Health 40, 1629–1643 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10653-018-0077-0

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