Enrichment of Dissolved Gallium Relative To Aluminum In Natural Waters

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-1988

Department

Marine Science

School

Ocean Science and Engineering

Abstract

Gallium has a crustal geochemistry similar to that of aluminum; however, its behavior in natural waters is uncertain. In this report paired analyses of dissolved Ga and Al are presented in a preliminary examination of the comparative behaviors of these elements in natural waters. Seawater and some rivers were found to have dissolved GaAl ratios an order of magnitude higher than crustal rock ratios. This enrichment probably results from a combination of factors including preferential dissolution of Ga from solid phases and enhanced removal of Al from solution. In rivers, complexation of Al by organic matter appears to play an important role in determining dissolved GaAl ratios.

Publication Title

Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta

Volume

52

Issue

7

First Page

1879

Last Page

1882

Link to Full Text

Find in your library

Share

COinS