Hydrogeochemical prospecting for porphyry copper deposits in the tropical-marine climate of Puerto Rico

Miller, W.R.; Ficklin, Walter H.; Learned, R.E.

doi:10.1016/0375-6742(82)90011-5

Cited by 24 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 3 publications

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“…While elevated EF values for Cu in the Rio Espiritu were attributed to localized outcrops of copper/gold porphyry and copper skarn, this result could partially be attributed to the authors' use of world average shale for normalization; use of similar normalization values would increase the difference between the two datasets. While we cannot rule out the presence of copper-bearing units within the upper portions of our study watersheds, existing studies limit the presence of porphyry outcrops to northcentral Puerto Rico (Marsh 1998) and in bed sediments of rivers that drain to the north side of the island (Learned et al 1985;Miller et al 1982) Additionally, these two elements were strongly correlated (r = 0.98, p < 0.001) suggesting a common source. However, both elements progressively increased downstream in both watersheds, suggesting additional localized inputs or cumulative enrichment.…”

Section: Impacts On Aquatic Ecosystemsmentioning

confidence: 75%

Spatial controls on riverbed sediment chemistry in three anthropogenically modified tropical mountainous watersheds

Papotto

Rodrigues

Siebert

et al. 2021

Int. J. Environ. Sci. Technol.

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Tropical mountainous rivers transport a disproportionate amount of sediment to the global ocean. While these systems also deliver sediment-related pollutants (i.e., metals) to the coast, the potential accumulation of metal contaminants within these systems has been largely unexplored. This study analyzed the trace metal concentrations of fine riverbed sediment (< 0.63 µm) collected from Rio Loco, Rio Yauco and Rio Guamaní in Puerto Rico. A total of 17 samples were collected in June 2019 (~ 21 months following Hurricane Maria) from these watersheds. Metal concentrations (Al, Ba, Cd, Cu, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, Sb, Sn, U and Zn) were quantified with acid digestion and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Strong positive correlations were found between Cd, Pb, Sb and Sn (r avg > 0.60, p < 0.05) as well as between Ba, Cr and Ni (r avg > 0.81, p < 0.05). A comparison of land cover with metal concentrations revealed positive statistical relationships between Cu, Sb, Sn and Zn with developed land and Cr, Ni and U with agricultural land. Between 7 and 50% of the samples exhibited enrichment factor values indicative of moderate to significant levels of contamination (EF > 2) for each metal. Additionally, several metal concentrations exceeded the consensus-based threshold effect and probable effect values. Altogether, these data confirm that metals do accumulate in tropical mountainous watersheds and can be found at concentrations that impact freshwater ecosystems. These elevated metal concentrations coupled with periodic flushing events, regularly supported by hurricanes, suggest a threat to nearshore ecosystems such as coral reefs.

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Section: Impacts On Aquatic Ecosystemsmentioning

confidence: 75%

Spatial controls on riverbed sediment chemistry in three anthropogenically modified tropical mountainous watersheds

Papotto

Rodrigues

Siebert

et al. 2021

Int. J. Environ. Sci. Technol.

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“…Importantly, they are relatively resilient to the influences of the surrounding biological environment. At the same time, under suitable physicochemical conditions, the elements can exist stably in the water and maintain the element content as higher than the background within a certain flow distance; thus, it can be investigated according to the abnormal distribution of element content in the water [37,38]. Hence, the utilization of nanominerals present in geothermal fluids for the study of geothermal resources proves to be advantageous.…”

Section: Indication Of Deep Geological Bodies By Nanoparticles In Fluidsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Characteristics and Research Significance of Micro-Nanoparticles in Geothermal Fluids in the Central Area of Shandong Province

Zuo,

Zhang,

Wang

et al. 2023

Water

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The micro-nanoparticles found in geothermal fluids exhibit distinct characteristics that hold great potential for detecting deeply concealed geothermal resources. Utilizing a nanoparticle tracking analyzer (NTA), we conducted observations on karst geothermal fluids collected from the central region of Shandong Province, specifically Jinan and Zibo. Our investigation revealed the presence of a significant quantity of naturally occurring micro-nanoparticles within these geothermal fluids, with particle sizes typically falling in the range of 100 nm to 5 μm. To gain a comprehensive understanding of these micro-nanoparticles, we subjected them to a detailed analysis, encompassing their type, shape, crystal structure, and chemical composition. This in-depth examination was carried out using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Our findings, supported by TEM images and energy dispersive spectroscopy, indicated that these micro-nanoparticles in the geothermal fluid samples predominantly exhibit amorphous characteristics and possess irregular or nearly spherical shapes, often accompanied by rough edges. Furthermore, it was evident that the composition of these micro-nanoparticles primarily consists of carbonates, sulfates, and chlorides, which contain elements such as Fe, Ca, and Na. The distinctive features of these micro-nanoparticles provide valuable insights into the properties of the high-temperature reservoirs and aquifers from which they originate. As a result, we firmly assert that natural micro-nanoparticles can significantly contribute to the detection and comprehensive study of concealed geothermal resources within the Earth. This novel approach offers a promising method for exploring and gaining a deeper understanding of these hidden geothermal resources.

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“…Water has been shown to be an effective sample medium for geochemical exploration (Miller and Ficklin, 1976;Miller, Ficklin, and Learned, 1982). The Buffalo Peaks Wilderness Study Area is in an alpine environment similar to areas discussed by Miller and Ficklin (1976).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Analytical results for 102 water samples from sites draining the Buffalo Peaks Wilderness Study Area, Lake, Park, and Chaffee counties, Colorado

Ficklin¹,

Nowland²,

Dover³

1984

Open-File Report

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One hundred two water samples were collected in the Buffalo Peaks Wilderness Study Area as part of a mineral assessment program in that locality. Each sample was analyzed for specific conductance, alkalinity, pH, fluoride, chloride, sulfate, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and silica. Trace elements determined were copper, zinc, molybdenum, lead, arsenic, iron, manganese, aluminum, cobalt, nickel, silver, and uranium. The longitude and latitude of each sample location and a sample site map are included in the report as well as a table of the analytical results.

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Hydrogeochemical prospecting for porphyry copper deposits in the tropical-marine climate of Puerto Rico

Cited by 24 publications

References 3 publications

Spatial controls on riverbed sediment chemistry in three anthropogenically modified tropical mountainous watersheds

Spatial controls on riverbed sediment chemistry in three anthropogenically modified tropical mountainous watersheds

Characteristics and Research Significance of Micro-Nanoparticles in Geothermal Fluids in the Central Area of Shandong Province

Analytical results for 102 water samples from sites draining the Buffalo Peaks Wilderness Study Area, Lake, Park, and Chaffee counties, Colorado

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