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Evaluation of rare earth elements in groundwater of Lagos and Ogun States, Southwest Nigeria

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Abstract

Rare earth elements in our environment are becoming important because of their utilization in permanent magnets, lamp phosphors, superconductors, rechargeable batteries, catalyst, ceramics and other applications. This study was conducted to evaluate the level of rare earth elements (REE) and the variability of their anomalous behavior in groundwater samples collected from Lagos and Ogun States, Southwest, Nigeria. REE concentrations were determined in 170 groundwater samples using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, while the physicochemical parameters were determined using standard methods. Lagos State groundwater is enriched with REE [sum REEs range (mean ± SD)]; [0.365–488 (69.5 ± 117)] µg L−1 than Ogun State groundwater [sum REEs range (mean ± SD)]; [1.14–232 (22.6 ± 41.1)] µg L−1. Boreholes are more enriched with REEs than wells. Significant (P < 0.05) positive correlation (R = Pearson) was recorded in Lagos State groundwater between sum REEs and Fe (R = 0.55). However, there were no significant correlations between sum REEs, pH (R = 0.073) and HCO3 2− (R = 0.157) in Ogun State groundwater. Chondrite-normalized plot shows that Lagos groundwater exhibits positive Ce anomaly, while Ogun State groundwater does not. The source of REE in Lagos State may be from the ocean and leaching from wastes dumpsites, while the source in Ogun State groundwater may be from the rocks.

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Acknowledgments

We acknowledge the assistance rendered by Activation Laboratories, located at 1336, Sandhill Drive, Ancaster, Ontario, L9G4V5, Canada, where the inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometric analysis was carried out. This research is part of a Ph.D. dissertation of Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. The authors also acknowledge the Department of Environmental Management and Toxicology as well as the Department of Chemistry for allowing us to use their laboratory facilities.

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  1. Department of Chemical Sciences, Ondo State University of Science and Technology, P. M. B. 353, Okitipupa, Ondo State, Nigeria

    H. Ayedun

  2. Department of Environmental Management and Toxicology, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, 110001, Nigeria

    H. Ayedun, T. A. Arowolo & A. M. Gbadebo

  3. Department of Water Resources Management and Agrometeorology, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, 110001, Nigeria

    O. A. Idowu

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Ayedun, H., Arowolo, T.A., Gbadebo, A.M. et al. Evaluation of rare earth elements in groundwater of Lagos and Ogun States, Southwest Nigeria. Environ Geochem Health 39, 649–664 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10653-016-9839-8

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