Zirconium and hafnium fractionation and distribution of Rare Earth Elements in neutral–alkaline waters: Case study of Lake Van hydrothermal system, Turkey

We investigated the distribution of Zr, Hf, and rare earth elements (REE) as sum lanthanides plus Y in hydrothermal system Lake Van area south-eastern Turkey. This is characterised by water with variable pH alkaline conditions resulting from CO2 upraise neoformation calcite minerals near equilibrium interacting waters. REE determinations were carried out for aqueous phases suspended solids lake surrounding thermal springs. found that dissolved Hf partitioned relative to Zr during formation such fractionation a function Ca2+ activity warm water. The observed ZrHf explained coulombic interactions occur between solid particles at calcite-water interface. There, surfaces carbonate demonstrated greater reactivity towards Hf-bearing species Zr-complexes. evidence involves mechanism interface because complexes are negatively charged while compounds uncharged. Thus, authigenic can behave suitable host metal ion adsorb on crystal remediate waste waters mine drainage.