HIGH RESOLUTION MINERALOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF SEDIMENTS - LAKE BOLATAU-FEREDEU (ROMANIA)

The catchment (bedrock and soil) and sediments of lake Bolatau, Romania were studied by high resolution multi-methodological investigations to characterize paleoenvironmental and formation conditions. Particle size analyses, optical and cathodoluminescence microscopy, FTIR-ATR and Raman spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, and XRF were applied for microtextural, chemical, micro-mineralogical and embedded organic material characterization and distribution of the sediments, especially concerning geochemical conditions, like pH and redox potential change. Our results support physical and chemical weathering in the process of soil formation with appearance of the new minerals appear (10 angstrom sized phyllosilicates and clay minerals). Comparison of these studies offer possible differentiation of syn- and diagenetic mineralization, the clarification of debris contribution, microbial mediation and complex mineralization via decomposition of cell and extracellular polymeric substance. Based on the analyses on the abrasives, a suboxic environment prevailed in the depositional area and considerable microbial contribution is proposed via accumulation of lake sediments.

Automated summary

High resolution multi-methodological investigations were conducted on the catchment and sediments of Lake Bolatau in Romania to characterize paleoenvironmental and formation conditions. The study revealed the appearance of new mineral species, support for physical and chemical weathering in soil formation, and significant microbial contribution to lake sediments.