Geochemical characteristics of rare earth elements in Wuhan section of the Yangtze River

The contents and speciation characteristics of rare earth elements(REE)in Wuhan section of the Yangtze River were analysed by neutron activation analysis (NAA).The contents of solvable fraction of REE in the river are very limited ,with the same results as other rivers. On the other hand,the content of suspend- ed fraction of REE in the river varies in a wide range. It varies with the variation of suspended matter in the water.The distribution patterns showed significant light REE enrichment and relative Eu-depletion. The speciation characteristics of REE in the sediments or suspended matter are quite similar, with the main amount in residual form. The amount of five forms obey the following order:residual> > bound to organic matter, bound to Fe-Mn oxides > bound to carbonates > > exchangeable. Compared with light and heavy EE,the mediate REE(Eu, Sm, Tb)have relatively low percentages in the residual form and high in the forms of bound to organic matter and Fe-Mn oxldes. The water bodies in Wuhan section of the Yangtze Riv- er have not been polluted by REE.