Geochemistry and mineralogy of trace and rare-earth elements In acidified estuarine dredge spoil and associated sulfidic drain sediments, South Yunderup, Western Australia

Nian Xu

Research output: ThesisDoctoral Thesis

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Abstract

I investigated rare earth element (REE) behaviour and associations with iron, sulfide, and phosphate minerals both in the source (dredge spoil) and sink (adjacent sediment). REE mineralogy and geochemistry were examined using bulk composition and electron microscopy. REE-Phosphate minerals such as florencite and monazite (possibly reflecting anthropogenic phosphate inputs) control REE geochemistry not iron as previously thought. A novel occurrence for REEs is discrete La2O3 phases coprecipitated, or coating surfaces of, Fe oxyhydroxides at nanometer scales. Lanthanum coprecipitation with mackinawite (FeS) is more likely than adsorption.
Original languageEnglish
QualificationDoctor of Philosophy
Awarding Institution
  • The University of Western Australia
Supervisors/Advisors
  • Rate, Andrew, Supervisor
  • Morgan, Bree, Supervisor, External person
  • Leopold, Matthias, Supervisor
Thesis sponsors
Award date30 Jan 2018
DOIs
Publication statusUnpublished - 2018

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