ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Characteristics of Rare Earth Elements
in Groundwater of Multiple Aquifers
and Their Implications in the Panxie Mine
Area, Huainan Coalfield, China
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1
Coal Industry Engineering Research Center for Comprehensive Prevention and Control of Mine Water Disaster,
Huainan 232001, China
2
Ping An Coal Mining Engineering Technology Research Institute Co., Ltd, Huainan, Anhui 232001, China
3
National Engineering Laboratory for Protection of Coal Mine Eco-Environment, Huainan, Anhui 232001, China
Submission date: 2024-10-21
Final revision date: 2025-03-14
Acceptance date: 2025-04-09
Online publication date: 2025-09-10
Corresponding author
Bing Li
Ping An Coal Mining Engineering Technology Research Institute Co., Ltd, Huainan, Anhui 232001, China;
Coal Industry Engineering Research Center for Comprehensive Prevention and Control of Mine Water Disaster, Huainan 232001, China;
Yongchun Chen
Coal Industry Engineering Research Center for Comprehensive Prevention and Control of Mine Water Disaster,
Huainan 232001, China
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ABSTRACT
This study investigates the characteristics and distribution of rare earth elements (REEs) within
the multi-aquifer groundwater system of the Panxie mining area in the Huainan coalfield, China.
By analyzing groundwater samples from various aquifers, including sandstone, limestone, and shale,
the research provides a comprehensive assessment of REE content, fractionation patterns, and
anomalies, with a particular focus on Ce and Eu. The results show that, except for the sandstone
aquifer, the REE concentrations in other aquifers are generally lower than the global average for river
waters, with notable Ce negative anomalies and Eu positive anomalies observed across the samples.
Additionally, the study employs Visual MINTEQ software to model the inorganic complexation
of REEs, revealing that carbonate complexes, such as Ln(CO3)2− and LnCO3+, dominate in these
groundwater systems. Finally, the research constructs a Fisher discriminant model for groundwater
source identification, using the concentrations of 14 REEs as variables. The model demonstrates high
accuracy, particularly in distinguishing between sandstone and limestone aquifers, offering valuable
insights for groundwater management and protection in mining areas. The study not only enhances the
understanding of REE geochemical behavior in groundwater but also provides a scientific basis for the
development of more effective groundwater resource management strategies in the Panxie mining area
and similar environments.