Известия Томского политехнического университета: Инжиниринг георесурсов (Aug 2021)

GEOCHEMICAL FEATURES OF NATURAL WATERS IN THE BASIN OF THE VITIM RIVER (WESTERN REGIONS OF PATOM UPLAND)

  • Dmitry A. Novikov,
  • Anastasia A. Maksimova,
  • Denis V. Napreev,
  • Yulia G. Kopylova,
  • Albina A.Khvacshevskaya

DOI
https://doi.org/10.18799/24131830/2021/8/3300
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 332, no. 8
pp. 7 – 17

Abstract

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The relevance of this study is related to obtaining the first results of comprehensive geochemical studies of natural waters of the Vitim river basin in the western regions of the Patom upland. Taking into account a large number of mineral deposits (gold, iron, titanium, and lead), two applied aspects of using the studies performed arise. The first is related to the adaptation of the hydrogeochemical method of prospecting ore deposits. The second is related to the assessment of the anthropogenic impact of the development of mineral deposits and the operation of mining and processing enterprises on the environment. The aim of the research is to identify the geochemical characteristics of the waters of the Vitim river basin and assess the possible sources of elements in the water. Methods. Field testing was carried out in accordance with generally accepted methods. Chemical analytical studies were performed by titrimetry, ion chromatography and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The degree of concentration of chemical elements in natural waters was assessed by calculating the concentration coefficients (Kki) and water migration according to A.I. Perelman (Kx1). Results. The paper introduces the first results of integrated hydrogeochemical studies of natural waters in the basin of the Vitim river (Patom upland). With respect to chemical composition, SO4-HCO3 Mg-Ca and HCO3 Mg-Ca waters with total mineralization from 10 to 298 mg/dm3 dominate. The waters are characterized by pH from neutral to weakly alkaline (6,6–8) and the oxidation conditions of geochemical setting with Eh from +155,5 to +215,9 mV and O2 sol content from 4,9 to 8,4 mg/dm3. The calculated water migration coefficients (average values) for chemical elements in the studied waters were ranged in a decreasing sequence as follows: very strong migration intensity Se236>I37>Br26>strongSb4,5>Mo3,9>Sr3,7>B1,0>medium Zn0,60>Li0,58>P0,41>Ba0,39>As0,32>Cu0,30>Y0,28>Sc0,27>Si0,24>Mn0,23>Rb0,22>Ni0,19 > Be0,18 > Ge0,16>Co0,16>Cr0,13> weak (inert) migration intensity> Fe0,075>V0,06 >Ga0,049>Al0,029>Ti0,01>Nb0,015>Zr0,009. The profile revealed a complicated hydrogeochemical field which is affected mainly by natural factors.

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