Major elements in the Holocene loess-paleosol sequence in the upper reaches of the Weihe River valley,China

Palaeohydmlogical investigations were carried out in the Guchuan Basin in the upper reaches of the Weihe River valley, China. A set of palaeoflood slackwater deposits （SWDs） was found interbedded in the Holocene Ioess-paleosol sequence at the Guchuanzhen site （GCZ）. These palaeoflood SWDs were studied by field observations and laboratory analyses including concentrations of chemical elements and optically stimulated luminescence （OSL） dating. The results showed that the palaeoflood SWDs were the result of the secondary separations of the surface soil and weathered soil layers during the process of water transport and deposition, and without obvious weathering during soil development. These extraordinary flood events were dated back to 3,200-3,000 a B.P. with the OSL method and checked by archaeological dating of the human remains retrieved from the profile. These extraordinary flood events were therefore considered as regional expression of known climatic events and demonstrated the climatic instability in the Holocene. This result is important for understanding the effects of global climate change on the dynamics of river systems.

Major Elements in Lake Muhazi,Rwanda,East Africa

The aim of this study undertaken at Lake Muhazi in Rwanda was to determine and analyze the major elements present in water. The presence of many major elements （Al, As, Ba, C, Ca, Cu, Fe, H^＋, K, Mg, Mn, N, P, S, Si, and Zn） was determined by spectroscopic technique. The concentrations of the elements were measured in water samples taken from three different locations of the lake from May to August 2008. The lake is polluted by water flow from mountain sides surrounding the lake. Other causes of pollution could be the use of agrochemicals in the sugar land, which surrounds the lake, and human activities near the lake. Finally, we proposed the strategies that can be applied in order to ensure good conservation of the environment and to prevent augmentation of heavy materials into the lake.

Are spatial distributions of major elements in soil influenced by human landscapes?

The present study attempted to evaluate the influence of human activity on major elements （Na2O, MgO, A1203, SiO2, K2O, CaO, Fe203）, and to find a method to explore correlations between major elements and human disturbances, according to geospatial theories and methods. The study results indicate that landscapes influence major elements in diverse ways： Al2O3 is closely related to road and mine landscapes; strong relationships exist between MgO, Fe2O3, CaO, and SiO2 and roads; Na2O, SiO2, and Fe2O3 are unrelated to city landscapes; and Na2O is unrelated to road and mine landscapes.

Mass Balance of Major Elements in Relation to Weathering in Soils Developed on Igneous Rocks in a Semiarid Region,Northwestern Iran

This study was conducted to evaluate the weathering intensity of the major soils developed on igneous rocks in semiarid region of northwestern Iran.Eight parent materials were selected including monzodiorite,alkali granite,granodiorite,syenite,pyroxene diorite,hornblende andesite,pyroxene andesite,and dacite.Representative soil profiles were described and soil samples were collected and analyzed for selected chemical and physical properties and total concentrations of major elements and Zr,V,Ti and Y.Bulk densities as well as Ti,Zr and V concentrations were used to estimate the strain factors and mass balance equations were used to quantify the net result of pedogenic weathering,i.e.elemental loss and gain.The results of clay content and pedogenic iron variability as well as index of compositional variability(ICV),chemical index of alteration(CIA) and,A-CN-K and MFW ternary plots showed that the soils developed on volcanic rocks(hornblende andesite> pyroxene andesite> dacite) were more weathered than those on the plutonic parent rocks(alkali granite,granodiorite,monzodiorite,syenite,pyroxene diorite).The results of mass balance calculations based on the strain factors revealed that the Ca and Na depleted during weathering progress mostly from plagioclase grains.In the semiarid regions Ca is precipitated as pedogenic calcite in the soil horizons.K and Mg depletion is less than Ca and Na especially in the profiles on the hornblende andesite with the highest clay and LOI content.The results of this study clearly suggest that the behavior of K and Mg during the weathering cannot only be explained by the disintegration of the primary minerals,since they are fixed on the secondary clay minerals.Iron did not change in the soils compared to the parent material and was precipitated as the pedogenic iron and conserved in the soil horizons.Overall,the results on the weathering indicators and major elements mass balance enrichment/depletion in the study area confirmed that the soil profiles developed on volcanic rocks are more weathered than those on the plutonic igneous rocks.

Paleoenvironmental Characteristics of Paleogene Lacustrine Source Rocks in the Western Bozhong Sag,Bohai Bay Basin,China:Evidence from Biomarkers,Major and Trace Elements

The organic matter(OM)enrichment mechanisms and depositional environment characteristics of lacustrine source rocks in the western Bozhong Sag,Bohai Bay Basin in Northeast China remain controversial.To address these issues,based on Rock-Eval pyrolysis,kerogen macerals,H/C and O/C ratios,GC-MS,major and trace elements,the Dongying Formation Member(Mbr)3(E_(3)d_(3)),the Shahejie Formation mbrs 1 and 2(E_(2)s_(1+2)),and the Shahejie Mbr 3(E_(2)s_(3))source rocks in the western Bozhong Sag were studied.The above methods were used to reveal their geochemical properties,OM origins and depositional environments,all of which indicate that E_(2)s_(1+2)and E_(2)s_(3)are excellent source rocks,and that E_(3)d_(3)is of the second good quality.E_(3)d_(3)source rocks were formed under a warm and humid climate,mainly belong to fluvial/delta facies,the E_(3)d_(3)sediments formed under weakly oxidizing and freshwater conditions.Comparatively,the depositional environments of E_(2)s_(1+2)source rocks were arid and cold climate,representing saline or freshwater lacustrine facies,and the sediments of E_(2)s_(1+2)belong to anoxic or suboxic settings with large evaporation and salinity.During the period of E_(2)s_(3),the climate became warm and humid,indicating the freshwater lacustrine facies,and E_(2)s_(3)was characterized by freshwater and abundant algae.Moreover,compared with other intervals,the OM origin of E_(3)d_(3)source rocks has noticeable terrestrial input.The OM origin of the E_(2)s_(1+2)and E_(2)s_(3)are mainly plankton and bacteria.Tectonic subsidence and climate change have affected the changes of the depositional environment in the western Bozhong Sag,thus controlling the distribution of the source rocks,the geochemical characteristics in the three intervals of lacustrine source rocks have distinct differences.Overall,these factors are effective to evaluate the paleoenvironmental characteristics of source rocks by biomarkers,major and trace elements.The established models may have positive implications for research of lacustrine source rocks in offshore areas with few drillings.

Study on the Major and Trace Elements in Soil of Yunnan Farmland

In order to investigate the distribution of soil available micronutrients, and provide a theoretical basis for management of fertilizing reasonably on crops, the contents of major and trace elements （P, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe, Zn, and Mn） in farm- land soil collected from Yunnan Province were determined by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry （ICP-MS）, the contents and distribution of major and trace elements were also studied. The results showed that the contents of available P, K were balance, available Ca, Mg were deficient, and available Cu, Fe, Zn, Mn were very plentiful. Major and trace elements distribution of different landform areas were obviously different. The contents of trace elements （Fe, Zn and Mn） of central Yunnan Red Plateau were significantly higher than those of Hengduan Mountains in western Yunnan and those of karst plateau in eastern Yunnan. The contents of available P, K, and Ca gradually declined from west to east, while the content of available Cu rose gradually from west to east. The results are reference value to elements determination and agricultural production in farmland soils.

Paleoclimatic evolution indicated by major geochemical elements from aeolian sediments on the east of Qinghai Lake

As the largest inland lake of China, along with its unique landscape and geographical location, Qinghai Lake has got much atten- tion of the scientists for a long time. The precursors have done substantive researches by using the lake sediment, which deepen our tmderstanding of the climate changes in this region. Although sand dunes and loess sediment are widely distributed around the lake, so far the researches on geochemical elements from aeolian sediment have been less reported. In this paper, we selected a typical aeolian profile on the east of Qinghai Lake. Based on systematic sampling and analysis of seven major geochemical ele- ments, combined with OSL dating and previous researches, this paper discusses climate changes in the Qinghai Lake area since 12.5 ka B.P.. Our conclusions are： （1） Before 12.5 ka B.P., the climate in this region was dry, cold, and accompanied by strong wind-sand activities. （2） During 12.5-11.9 ka B.P., the climate became warm and wet. However, there was an abrupt climate cooling event during 12.2-11.9 ka B.P., which likely corresponded to the Younger Dryas event. （3） During 11.9 8.0 ka B.P., the climate fluctuated greatly and frequently from warm to cold, and three cooling events occurred. （4） During 8.0-2.6 ka B.P., the climate was warm and humid. （5） Since 2.6 ka B.P., similar to the modem climate, the climate was mainly dry and cold.

Selected ions and major and trace elements as contaminants in coal-waste dump water from the Lower and Upper Silesian Coal Basins(Poland)

Many temporary and permanent reservoirs of water occur on or near coal-waste dumps in the Lower-and Upper Silesian Coal Basins(Poland).Little or nothing is known of the degree to which their water chemistry might reflect(i)reservoir type,i.e.,whether permanent or temporary,(ii)level of coal-waste thermal activity,i.e.,whether inactive or self-heating or burnt-out or(iii)region,i.e.,whether the dumps are in Upper-or Lower Silesia.To provide some answers,concentrations of selected ions(NH_(4)^(+),HCO_(3)^(-),F^(-),Cl^(-),Br^(-),NO_(2)^(-),NO_(3)^(-),PO_(4)^(3-),SO_(4)^(2-))were determined by ion chromatography and of nineteen elements(Al,B,Ba,Ca,Cd,Cr,Cu,Fe,K,Li,Mg,Mn,Na,P,Pb,S,Si,Sr,Zn)by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry(ICP-MS).The data allow a number of the following observations.When permanent reservoirs are considered,there is a clear relationship between concentrations of ions and major and trace elements and dump thermal activity.The highest concentrations occur where the thermal activity is high as inorganic components are transformed into more water-soluble forms.As dump thermal activity shows a regional pattern,it follows also that elemental and ion concentrations in the dump waters show significant regional differences.In temporary reservoirs,concentrations of ions and major and trace elements are much lower and any correlations between components less significant than in the permanent reservoirs;these reservoirs exist for too short a time for any balance between coal waste-and water components to be established.

Distribution and Accumulation of Major and Trace Elements in Gypsum Samples from Lignite Combustion Power Plant

Flue gas containing volatile elements, fine fly ash particulates not retained by particle control devices, and limestone are the most important sources of trace and major elements (TMEs) in wet flue gas desulphurization (WFGD) gypsum. In this study, samples of gypsum slurry were separated into fine and coarse fractions. Multi-elemental analysis of 45 elements in the different size fractions of gypsum, slurry waters and lignite were performed by k0-INAA (k0-instrumental neutron activation analyses). The study found that the volatile elements (Hg, Se and halogens) in the flue gas accumulate in the fine fractions of gypsum. Moreover, the concentrations of most TMEs are considerably higher in the fine fractions compared to the coarse fractions. The exceptions are Ca and Sr that primarily originate from the limestone. Variations of TMEs in the finer fractions are dependent on the presence of CaSO4·2H2O that is the main constituent of the coarse fraction. Consequently, the content of TMEs in the fine fraction is highly dependent on the efficiency of separating the fine fraction from the coarse fraction. Separation of the finer fraction, representing about 10% of the total gypsum, offers the possibility to remove effectively TMEs from WFGD slurry.

Preliminary Study of Chemical Elements Distribution in Petroleum Source Rocks Donga and Yogou Formations of the Termit Sedimentary Basin (Est-Niger)

XRF and EDX analyses were carried out on 18 batches of representative raw samples to determine the distribution of major chemical elements in the petroleum source rocks of Donga and Yogou formations of Termit sedimentary basin. The chemical composition of these formations is dominated by silicon (Si), aluminum (Al) and iron (Fe). This is consistent with the oxide composition, which is also dominated by silicon oxide (SiO2), aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and iron monoxide (FeO). No less important chemical elements are calcium (Ca), potassium (K), sulfur (S), titanium (Ti), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn) and barium (Ba), as well as some of their oxides. All these major chemical elements are carried by silicate detrital minerals associated with pyrite and goethite and/or clay minerals such as kaolinite and interstratified illite, smectite and chlorite. This trend is illustrated by the values of the Si/Al and SiO2/Al2O3 ratios.

An Experimental Study on Major Element Release from the Sediments in the Changjiang(Yangtze River) Estuary

With the enhanced warming and acidification of global ocean, whether and to what extent the naturally-weathered flu- vial sediment into the sea can release elements and thus influence the geochemical process and ecosystem of global ocean remain to be resolved. In this contribution, an experimental study was carried out to examine the release rates of major elements （Ca, K, Mg and AI） from the surface sediments in the Changjiang （Yangtze River） Estuary under the pH values of 4.0, 6.0 and 7.0. The two stud- ied sediments consist primarily of quartz, plagioclase, calcite and clay minerals, with the BET （Brunauer, Emmett and Teller） surface areas of 61.7m2g-1 and 23.1 m2g-1. Major elements of Ca, K, Mg and A1 show different release rates under different solution pH values. With the decreasing solution pH, the release rates of Ca and K increase obviously, while the release rates of Mg and A1 in- crease with the initial solution pH varying from 6.0 to 7.0. The different release rates of these elements are closely related to the original mineral composition of the sediments and the reaction kinetics. Based on the experimental observation, quartz and clay min- erals that have low dissolution rates may dominate the major element release to the aqueous phase. This study reveals that the en- hancing ocean acidification could cause considerable release of major elements from natural terrigenous sediments into the ambient marine environment, which has to be considered carefully in the future study on global change.

Mantle melting beneath the Southwest Indian Ridge: signals from clinopyroxene in abyssal peridotites

The mineral chemistry and texture of clinopyroxenes in peridotite from the Kingkong tectonic zone of the Southwest Indian Ridge segment in an effort to constrain mantle melting beneath this slow-spreading ridge are reported. There are three types of clinopyroxenes in the abyssal peridotites： coarse-grained, intergranu- lar and exsolved. The compositional variations among these three types suggest that the coarse-grained clinopyroxene is a mantle-derived source. The A1, Na and Ti contents and the Na/Ti ratio of the coarse- grained clinopyroxene may be used to monitor the degree of partial melting, combined with the contradis- tinction with Spinel Cr#, which is calculated to be between 7.9% and 14.9%, and may represent low degrees of melting in the global ocean ridge system. The along-axis compositional variations in the coarse-grained clinopyroxene suggest that the degree of partial melting is primarily controlled by the transform faults on both sides of the ridge. Nonetheless, the northwestern side of the ridge may be affected by a hypothesised detachment fault as documented by the calculated P-T conditions. Simultaneously high Na and low Ti con- tents in the coarse-grained clinoovroxene points to mantle heterogeneities along the ridge axis.

Reconstruction of the Yangtze Ramp during Floian to Darriwilian(Ordovician)in South China:Its Morphology,Controlling Factors and Significances

A robust stratigraphic framework and a coherent depositional ramp model for the Zitai,Dawan,Meitan and Ningkuo formations of Floian–Darriwilian age(Early–Middle Ordovician)in the Yangtze(Daoba,Xiangshuidong,Daling,Gudongkou and Honghuayuan sections)and Jiangnan regions(Nanba section)was created based on lithofacies and major element analysis.Three siliciclastic(LF1–3)and six carbonate(LF4–9)lithofacies are recognized representing sediments that were deposited in mixed siliciclastic and carbonate ramp environment.The intensity of mixed sedimentation and terrigenous input were evaluated using the elemental proxies Intensity of Mixed sedimentation(IM)and Aluminum Accumulation Rate(Al AR),as well as their mean values during certain time intervals.Mixed sediments are most well-developed along the marginal Yangtze region,strongly impacted by recurrent influx of westerly derived terrigenous materials in response to global eustatic changes and regional tectonic movements,shaping the gently southeast-dipping morphology.Regular terrigenous influx resulted in periods of enhanced primary productivity on the Yangtze Ramp as evidenced by matching biodiversity peaks in planktonic organisms,i.e.,chitinozoans and acritarchs.Brachiopods and other shelly fauna were also able to proliferate as new niches developed along the gently dipping ramp floor with substrate changes.The biodiversification patterns suggest that terrigenous influx controlled in part by regional tectonics played a more important role than previously thought in the development of Great Ordovician Biodiversification Event in South China.

Heavy metal pollution assessment in marine sediments in the Northwest coast of Sabah,Malaysia

Heavy metal contents along the Northwest coast of Sabah were determined to interpret the pollution level in the marine sediment. The metal abundance is regulated by the physico-chemical properties such as the average sediment pH(7.82, 9.00 and 8.99), organic matter(0.62%, 1.60%, and 2.27%), moisture content(25.00%, 29.70%, and 15.00%) and sandy texture in Kota Belud, Kudat and Mantanani Island,respectively. The major elements show Ca>Fe>Mg>Al>Mn for all study sites, while the heavy metals show Ni>Cr>Zn>Cu>Co>Pb, Cr>Ni>Zn>Cu>Pb>Co and Zn>Pb>Cr>Ni, for Kota Belud, Kudat and Mantanani Island, respectively. The pollution degree of heavy metals was evaluated by using the Sediment Quality Assessment(SQA). The SQA parameters indicated none to moderate pollution in Kota Belud that shows Class 0, Class 1 and Class 2 pollution. The parameters also indicated none to low pollution in Kudat and Mantanani Island that show only Class 0 pollution. The enrichment factor(EF) suggested minor to moderately severe metal enrichment by anthropogenic sources in Kota Belud, whereas only minor enrichment in Kudat and Mantanani Island. The modified pollution degree(MCD<1.5) and pollution load index(0 PLI<1) indicating only low pollution level in the marine sediments for all study sites. The objectives of this study are:(1) to determine the physico-chemical parameters of sediments,(2) interpret the heavy metal contents and(3) evaluate the sediment quality.

Sedimentary sources and processes in the eastern Arabian Sea:Insights from environmental magnetism,geochemistry and clay mineralogy

The spatial distribution patterns of surficial sediment samples from different sedimentary domains （shallow to deep-sea regions） of the eastern Arabian Sea were studied using sediment proxies viz. environmental magnetism, geochemistry, particle size and clay mineralogy. Higher concentrations of magnetic minerals （high Xlf） were recorded in the deep-water sediments when compared with the shallow water sediments. The magnetic mineralogy of one of the shallow water samples is influenced by the presence of bacterial magnetite as evidenced from the XARM/Xlf VS. XARM/Xfd biplot. However, the other samples are catchment-derived. The high correlation documented for Xlf, anhysteretic remanent mag- netisation （XARM） and isothermal remanent magnetisation （IRM） with Al indicates that the deep-sea surflcial sediments are influenced by terrigenous fluxes which have been probably derived from the southern Indian rivers, the Sindhu （the Indus） and the Narmada-Tapti rivers. A lower Mn concentration is recorded in the upper slope sediments from the oxygen minimum zone （OMZ） but a higher Mn/AI ratio is documented in the lower slope and deep-sea sediments. Clay minerals such as illite （24-48.5%）, chlorite （14.1-34.9%）, smectite （10.6-28.7%） and kaolinite （11.9-27.5%） dominate the sediments of shallow and deep-sea regions and may have been derived from different sources and transported by fluvial and aeolian agents. Organic carbon （OC） data indicate a low concentration in the shallow/shelf region （well oxygenated water conditions） and deeper basins （increased bottom-water oxygen concentration and low sedimentation rate）. High OC concentrations were documented in the OMZ （very low bottom-water oxygen concentration with high sedimentation rate）. The calcium carbonate concentration of the surface sediments from the continental shelf and slope regions （〈 1800 m） up to the Chagos-Laccadive Ridge show higher concentrations （average - 58%） when compared to deep basin sediments （average - 44%）. Our study demonstrates that particle size as well as magnetic grain size, magnetic minerals and elemental variations are good indicators to distinguish terrigenous from biogenic sediments and to identify sediment provenance.

Monitoring the Physico-Chemical Quality of the Davo River (South-West of Côte d’Ivoire)

The Davo River, an affluent of the Sassandra River, like other rivers in Côte d’Ivoire, is subject to anthropogenic activities likely to deteriorate its quality which could affect its use as drinking water and also the health of aquatic organisms. This study aims at monitoring the temporal evolution of the physico-chemical quality of the waters of the Davo River at the Dakpadou hydrometric station. Twelve monthly field missions were carried out to sample water, measure temperature, pH, Electrical Conductivity and analyse turbidity, Suspended solids, major elements (Cl-, NO3-,HCO3-, SO42-, Mg2+, Ca2+, Na+, and K+) and Trace Metallic Elements (Hg, Fe, Cu, Cr, and Pb). Results show that the waters of the Davo river are poorly mineralized. They are also acidic during periods of low water and slightly basic during flooding periods. The average turbidity value of 10.18 NTU places these waters in the slightly turbid class. The waters have calcic bicarbonate facies during low water periods and sodium bicarbonate facies with low concentrations of major elements during flood months. The average TME concentrations of the Davo river indicate that the waters are not harmful for the health of the population and the aquatic environment.

Chemical weathering in Malay Peninsula and North Borneo:Clay mineralogy and element geochemistry of river surface sediments

Weathering products of silicate rocks are particularly useful for evaluating the continental chemical weathering on the Earth's surface and its mechanism.Clay mineralogy and major-element geochemistry of surface sediment samples collected in major rivers of Malay Peninsula and North Borneo in the tropical Southeast Asian region are used to study the present chemical weathering process and its controlling factors of tropical regions.The results indicate that the clay mineral assemblage in Malay Peninsula consists dominantly of kaolinite(average 80%) and minor illite(average 17%),almost without chlorite and smectite,whereas in North Borneo it consists mainly of illite and chlorite,with minor amounts of kaolinite(average 14%) and no smectite.Total contents of illite and chlorite in both Northwest and Northeast Borneo are 84% and 87%,respectively.Major-element geochemical results of both bulk and clay-fraction sediments show intensive chemical weathering degree for both areas.Relatively,the chemical weathering degree is gradually strengthened from Northeast Borneo,Northwest Borneo,to Malay Peninsula,and it is extremely intensive in Malay Peninsula.Our results indicate that,in the tropical Southeast Asian region exampled by Malay Peninsula and Borneo,climatic condition of tropical warm temperature and East Asian monsoon rainfall is the first-order controlling factor on the chemical weathering,resulting in intensive chemical weathering throughout tropical areas,and tectonic activity and lithology of parent rocks are subordinate factors,which still have an important impact on the weathering products,forming completely different clay mineral assemblages between Malay Peninsula and Borneo.