Rare earth element geochemistry of spring water, north western Bam, NE Iran

In this paper, based on the analysis of major ions and rare earth elements (REEs), spring water samples from the north western Bam area, central Iran were investigated for the hydrochemical processes, geochemical behavior of REEs and ion concentration background in the region. In the study area, the order of cation and anion abundance is Na+ > K+ > Mg2+ > Ca2+ and Cl- SO4-2 > HCO3- > NO3-, and the dominated hydrochemical water are of Na-Cl type. The groundwater shows heavy REEs enrichment relative to light REEs. Depending on water types, REEs show different behaviors in study area. The increase in TDS and Fe contents in groundwater is accompanied by an increase in REE concentrations, while an increase in pH and Eh values is accompanied by a decrease in REE concentrations. Moreover, correlation analysis indicates that Eh-pH condition, TDS and Fe content, aquifer rock as well as their minerals play an important role in controlling the REE enrichment of groundwater.