Naslov
Geochemical and mineralogical characterization of speleothems from the karst of Croatia as potential sources of data for environmental researches

Autori
Paar, Dalibor ; Frančišković-Bilinski, Stanislav ; Buzjak, Nenad ; Maldini, Krešimir ; Milović, Simana ; Pichler, Srđan

Izvornik
Journal of geochemical exploration (0375-6742) 167 (2016); 20-37

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
Speleothems ; Geochemistry ; Mineralogy ; Trace elements ; Paleoenvironment ; Karst ; Croatia

Sažetak
The aim of this study is to detect proxies from speleothems that are suitable for geochemical and paleoenvironmental research in Croatian karst (Dinaric karst and isolated karst of the Pannonian basin). The main subject is elemental composition and mineralogy of speleothems from various sites in Croatian karst and whether the different climatic, geological and hydrological characteristics of those karst regions affect elemental and mineralogical characteristics of speleothems in order to design and plan future research. Total of 37 speleothem samples from 32 caves in different geological, geomorphological and climatic zones of Croatian karst were collected. In all samples concentration of 30 elements was determined by ICP-MS and mineral composition was analyzed by XRD. In 82 % of studied samples calcite is the only mineral identified. Minor minerals detected are: quartz, dolomite, muscovite/illite, chlorite and plagioclase. Besides the most abundant calcium, the elements with the highest concentrations (>500 mg/kg) are: Al, Fe, Si and Mg. Elements with the lowest concentrations recorded (<1 mg/kg) are: Be, Cd, Tl, W, Bi, U, As and Co. Besides Cd, other heavy metals used as anthropogenic contamination indicators have very low concentrations (<10 mg/kg). Statistical relationships between elements were established. A boxplot statistical method showed that largest numbers of anomalies are present in all three samples from Lukina jama located on Northern Velebit Mountain, where a whole series of elements, including many heavy metals, show extreme values (Pb, Cu, Zn, Mn, Ni, Cr, Co, Ba, K, Mg, Li, Be, Al, U, Si, Ti, W, Fe, As). Factor analysis showed that anomalies of element concentrations in most cases can be explained by local mineralogical conditions. This study will significantly contribute the knowledge about elemental and mineralogical composition of speleothems in Croatia, which are mostly determined by geogene influence.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Fizika, Geografija

POVEZANOST RADA