Geochemical features of the distribution of major and trace elements in sediments and soils of the Zarafshon River Valley
Abstract Purpose The aim of this research was to estimate impact of the geochemical features to distribution of major and trace elements in soil and sediments, assess of anthropogenic and natural factors in terrestrial ecosystems of Zarafshon. As well as to answer the common criticism of the water, soil and sediment pollution in Zarafshon. In this way this research will be reasonable substantial information about distribution of major and trace elements in mountains and piedmont regions. Materials and methods In view of a planned detailed investigation, and to get more data concerning the geochemistry of sediments and soils along the Zarafshon Valley of Western Tajikistan, as well as to assess of the local environmental situation, the mass fraction of eight major, rock-forming elements together with other 38 trace elements were determined by Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis. To accomplish this task 116 samples of sediment and an equal number of soils were collected around the Tajik sector of the Zarafshon catchment basin and its main tributaries. Results and discussion Both major and trace elements proved a significant similarity between soil and sediments including potentially contaminating elements As, Sb and Hg, whose mass fractions showed in some places to be significantly higher. An analysis of the distribution of major elements oxides as well as of incompatible trace elements Sc, Zr, REE, Th, and U suggested that the analysed soil and sediments have rather a felsic origin. A more careful examination revealed a reduced degree of recycling and for some location, a certain degree of weathering. All these peculiarities could be ascribed to a vast investigated area spread onto a significant diversity of geological formations. Conclusion The process of soil weathering of the studied area takes place relatively quick, but mainly it's has a natural character rather. The high content of accumulation of major and trace element in the sediment also related to rock source but only in rare cases is it of an anthropogenic nature. Based on these results, it can be predicted that the seriously environmental threat was not observed in the Zarafshon river valley. The activities of industrial facilities cover only a small part of this region and their impacts on the ecological state of the Zarafshon river valley is very small.