engleski

Rare earth elements distribution in soil nearby Plomin thermal power plant (Croatia)

The objectives of this study were as follows: 1) to assess levels of rare earth elements in soils nearby Plomin power plant ; 2) to get an overview of spatial variations in REE abundances and fractionation patterns ; 3) to determine the influence of ash emitted from the power plant to surrounding soil regarding the content of REEs. Concentrations of the REEs + Y in all analyzed samples ranged over two orders of magnitude, from 0.29 mg kg-1 (Tm) to 176 mg kg-1 (La), with ΣREE ranging from 76.5 mg kg-1 to 436 mg kg-1. The analyzed samples displayed variations as regards their REE content as well as the normalized patterns of REE distribution. Although the resulting REE concentrations in soils do not significantly differ from the world average, decrease in concentrations with distance from the power plant was evident. Furthermore, differences between studied groups are reflected in REE normalized patterns. In ashes, the normalized pattern is characterized by a higher relative content of HREE compared to the soil samples, presumably as a result of their ability to form more stable complexes with organic compounds than LREE. With increasing distance from the power plant the REE normalized curves in soils display increasing fractionation between LREE and HREE, typical of local unpolluted soil. Results of this study indicate the influence of the Plomin thermal power plant on the REE composition of the surrounding soils. Additionally, results indicate the possibility of application of rare earth element group as a proxy for determination of pollution impact on soil with particles emitted from coal-fired industries.

rare earth element distribution; soil; coal-fired power plant; pollution proxy

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