Metal, trace and rare earth element assessment in a sedimentary profile from Itupararanga Reservoir, São Paulo State, Brazil, by NAA

Abstract

In the present study the preliminary results for 2 sediment cores from the Itupararanga Reservoir are presented. Instrumental neutron activation analysis was also applied to the sediment samples to determine the total concentration of some metal, trace and rare earth elements. The results obtained were compared to the reference values NASC (North American Shale Composite). The enrichment factor (EF) was applied to the results obtained by using NASC (North American Shale Composite) and the concentration values of the last layer of this profile as reference values for sediment contamination index assessment. The EF calculated with the NASC values presented enrichment for As, Ce, Fe, La, Th and U in the two profiles Nd, Sm Hf and Tb, only present enrichment in the 2nd campaign. However, with respect to the base of the profile there was no element with enrichment. For semi metal As and for metals Cr and Zn the concentration values were compared to the oriented values from Environmental Canada (TEL and PEL). As and Cr presented values between TEL and PEL and Zn, values below TEL. The distribution pattern of light and heavy REEs was also verified in relation to the normatization of PAAS (Pos Archean Australian Shale).