Biotite as a geoindicator of rare earth element contamination in Gomati River Basin, Ganga Alluvial Plain, northern India

Rare earth elements (REE) are emerging as modern high-technology-related novel micro-contaminants in freshwater aquatic systems and are therefore attracting global attention due to their potential human health risks. The Gomati River (a tributary of the Ganga River) sediments were analyzed for REE concentrations to establish REE contamination and to identify biotite mica mineral as a geoindicator. Chondrite-normalized REE pattern of the river sediments and biotite mica mineral were similar and depict a strong light REE (LREE) enrichment and relatively flatter heavy REE (HREE). The maximum total REE (Sigma REE) concentration increased from 323 mu g/g in 2012 to 673 mu g/g in 2019. In the Sigma REE, LREE contribution was > 80%, because of anthropogenic inputs, mainly petroleum-cracking catalysts and other high-technology-based products. The XRD analysis and the geochemical signature of the Gomati River sediments reveal the meaningful existence of biotite mica mineral. A distinct downstream REE enrichment pattern was identified in biotite from the mica-rich bedload sediments. The scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) mapping images of biotite also revealed the precipitation of Lanthanum, at the weathered edges, during the early stage of mineral weathering. Biotite mica was identified as a geoindicator for the assessment of REE contamination in the Gomati River and the Hindon River Basin of the Ganga Alluvial Plain. Future research is needed for the application of biotite mica mineral as a geoindicator that can help the environmental scientists to contribute more effectively to the interdisciplinary efforts in River Science.

Automated summary

The study found that the concentrations of REE in the sediments of the Gomati River are increasing, with LREE contributing more than 80%. Biotite mica mineral was identified as a geoindicator for assessing REE contamination effectively.