Rare earth elements and yttrium in water sources of the Distrito Federal, Central Brazil: baseline data for water quality monitoring
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18265/2447-9187a2026id9446Keywords:
anthropogenic gadolinium, environmental monitoring, groundwater, rare earth elements, water qualityAbstract
Rare earth elements and yttrium (REY) were evaluated in water supply sources of the Distrito Federal, Central Brazil, to establish baseline data for water quality monitoring. Tap water was collected from the distribution system of two water sources: Lakes Paranoá and Descoberto, while groundwater samples were obtained from porous and fractured aquifers. Sampling was carried out during the rainy and dry seasons. REY were preconcentrated as HDMEP–H₂DMEP complexes using C18 solid-phase extraction columns and quantified by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The highest total REY concentrations were observed in the porous aquifer during the rainy season (944.0 ± 33.7 ng/L). Elevated gadolinium (Gd) concentrations were also recorded during this period in the porous aquifer (25.4 ± 2.9 ng/L) and in tap water from Lake Paranoá (22.9 ± 2.1 ng/L). The presence of anthropogenic Gd was identified in the porous aquifer; however, the high variability limits a clear distinction between natural and anthropogenic sources. Positive anomalies for La (La/La* from 1.2 to 1.7) and Gd (Gd/Gd* from 30.40 to 21.12) were observed in tap water from Lake Paranoá, linked to fertilizer runoff and wastewater-based sources, respectively, as Gd has been associated with emerging contaminants as contrast agents used in exams. A positive Ce anomaly (Ce/Ce* = 2.9 ± 0.3) was detected only in tap water from Lake Descoberto, suggesting a contribution from agricultural sources. These results indicate that REY analysis can complement conventional water quality monitoring, especially when traditional parameters are insufficient to identify potential contamination sources.
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