『Abstract
The silicon isotopic composition of dissolved silicon and suspended
particulate matter (SPM) were systematically investigated in water
samples from the mainstem of the Yellow River and 4 major tributaries.
The SPM content of the Yellow River varied from 1.4 to 38,560
mg/L, averaging 3568 mg/L, and the δ30Si
of suspended particulate matter (δ30SiSPM)
varied from 0.3‰ to -0.4‰, averaging -0.02‰. The major factors
affecting the SPM content and the δ30SiSPM
values in the Yellow River were inferred to be the mineralogical,
chemical and isotopic characteristics of the sediments from the
Loess Plateau and a combination of the climate and the flow discharge
of the river.
The major ions in the Yellow River water were Na+,
Ca2+, Mg2+, HCO3-,
SO42- and Cl-. high
salt concentration was observed in samples from the middle and
lower reaches, likely reflecting the effects of evaporation and
irrigation because the Na+, Mg2+, SO42- and K+ concentrations
were correlated with the Cl- concentration. The dissolved
Si connection (DSi) increased downstream,
varying from 0.016 to 0.323 nM. The δ30Si
of dissolved Si (δ30SiDiss) varied
from 0.4‰ to 2.5‰, averaging 1.28‰. The major processes controlling
the DSi and δ30SiDiss
of the Yellow River are (a) the weathering of silicate rocks,
(b) the formation of phytoliths in plants, (c) the evaporation
of water from and the addition of meteoric water to the river
system, which only affects concentrations, (d) the adsorption
and desorption of aqueous monosilicic acid on iron oxide, and
(e) the dissolution of phytoliths in soils.
The DSi and δ30SiDiss
values of global rivers vary spatially and temporally in response
to changes in climate, chemical weathering intensity and biological
activity. The moderately positive δ30SiDiss
values observed in the Yellow River may be attributed to the higher
rates of chemical weathering and biological activities that have
been observed in this catchment in comparison with those of other
previously studied catchments, excluding the Yangtze River. Human
activities may also potentially influence chemical weathering
and biological activities and affect the DSi
and δ30SiDiss values of the major
rivers of the world. Further river studies should be performed
to gain a better understanding of the global Si isotope budget.』
1. Introduction
2. Geographic, geological and hydrological background of the Yellow
River
3. Samples and experiments
4. Results
4.1. The concentrations, mineral composition and SiO2 content of the SPM and the δ30SiSPM values of the Yellow River
4.2. The ion concentrations, DSi and δ30SiDiss values of Yellow River water
5. Discussion
5.1. The major factors controlling the SPM content and δ30SiSPM of the Yellow River
5.2. The major processes controlling the DSi
and δ30SiDiss values of Yellow
River water
5.2.1. The weathering process of silicate rocks
5.2.2. Growth of phytoliths in plants
5.2.3. Evaporation of water from the river system and addition
of meteoric water into the river system
5.2.4. Dissolution of phytoliths in soil
5.2.5. Growth of freshwater diatom
5.2.6. adsorption and desorption of aqueous monosilicic acid
on iron oxide
5.2.7. Precipitation of silcretes and formation of clays coating
in aquifers
5.2.8. Human activities
5.3. A comparison of the DSi and δ30SiDiss values for several river systems of the
world and implications for the global silicon cycle
6. Conclusion
Acknowledgements
References