The pattern of rare earth elements (REEs) is an important tool for tracing the provenance of sediments and mineral dusts, because REEs are typically considered as relatively immobile and non-fractionated during low-temperature geochemical processes. However, the ubiquitous presence of organic ligands, such as those excreted by plants and microorganisms, can potentially promote the dissolution of REE-bearing minerals, selectively stabilize REEs in natural water, and as a result, strongly modify REE pattern and affect related geological applications of REEs. However, few studies have systematically assessed the influence of organic ligands on the mobilization and pattern of REEs. In this study, we calculated the dissolution of hydrated REE-phosphates in the presence of several common organic ligands based on thermodynamic data from literature. Organic acids were able to significantly promote the mobilization of REEs and modify their pattern under a wide range of environmentally relevant conditions. These results can fundamentally enhance our understandings of REE transport and fate in natural environments and facilitate better interpretations of REE pattern under diverse geological settings.<br/>

Influence of organic ligands on the mobilization and pattern of rare earth elements

255th National Meeting (2018)

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