Journal of the Korean earth science society (한국지구과학회지)

The Korean Earth Science Society (한국지구과학회)
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Distribution of Rare Earth Elements and Their Applications as Tracers for Groundwater Geochemistry - A Review

  • Received : 2021.06.26
  • Accepted : 2021.08.12
  • Published : 2021.08.31
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Abstract

Several studies investigating the behavior and environmental distribution of rare earth elements (REEs) have been reviewed to determine the geochemical processes that may affect their concentrations and fractionation patterns in groundwater and whether these elements can be used as tracers for groundwater-rock interactions and groundwater flow paths in small catchments. Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), equipped with an ultrasonic nebulizer and active-film multiplier detector, is routinely used as an analytical technique to measure REEs in groundwater, facilitating the analysis of dissolved REE geochemistry. This review focuses on the distribution of REEs in groundwater and their application as tracers for groundwater geochemistry. Our review of existing literature suggests that REEs in ice cores can be used as effective tracers for atmospheric particles, aiding the identification of source regions.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

This work was supported by two research grants, KOPRI research grant (PE21100) and the National Research Council of Science & Technology (NST) grant of the Korea government (MSIP) (CAP-17-05-KIGAM).

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