Concentrations of lanthanide elements, Th, and U in 77 Japanese surface soils

摘要: Abstract Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to measure lanthanide elements, Th, and U in 77 surface soil samples collected from upland fields, paddies, forests, open areas throughout Japan. The measurements provide an understanding of the background levels these elements Japanese soils. mean concentrations μg/g for soils were 18 (La), 40 (Ce), 4.5 (Pr), (Nd), 3.7 (Sm), 0.96 (Eu), (Gd), 0.56 (Tb), 3.3 (Dy), 0.68 (Ho), 2.0 (Er), 0.29 (Tm), (Yb), (Lu), 7.0 (Th), 2.3 (U). Differences between four classifications based on their utilization not significant any measured except U. concentration agricultural (upland fields paddies) tended be higher than that suggesting possible accumulation derived phosphate fertilizer. Red yellow soils, which are mainly found western Japan, have high lanthanides Th. Their attributable granitic rocks, main source materials However, red another material also had indicating can enriched during formation process even if is rocks. Andosols, volcanic ash, relatively low light lanthanides, Th Concentrations peat sand-dune regosols low. Each element a reasonable correlation with its neighboring elements. Thorium correlations These good might due similarity ionic radii.