Rare Earth Elements Geochemistry and 234U/238U, 235U/238U Isotope Ratios of the Kanyakumari Beach Placer Deposits: Occurrence and Provenance

Geochemical studies of rare earth elements (REEs) as well major and trace were conducted on the beach placer sands from Kanyakumari coastal region, a well-known high background natural radiation area (HBNRA). For first time, uranium isotope ratios (234U/238U 235U/238U) determined in study to investigate provenance leaching U sands. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used for measurement REEs whereas thermal ionization (TIMS) ratios. ∑REEs found be range 778.93 15,007. 54 µg/g, ∑Light 770.58 14,860.80 µg/g ∑Heavy varied 8.35 146.74 µg/g. The enrichment factor showed LREEs Th extremely enriched 235U/238U similar terrestrial ratio value. 234U/238U activity 0.995 1.071, prevailing secular equilibrium among them. δ238U results could, some extent, explain fractionation source.