Advances in Amazonian Biogeochemistry

Abstract

Recent observations on the geochemistry, biogeochemistry and stable isotope systematics of waters, soils and sediments of the Amazon region indicate the profound influence of biological processes on the nature of the surface and near surface materials. These same materials provide evidence for major change in vegetation types and climate during the recent past. The chemistry of local soils and waters provides key indicators of the agricultural and mineral resource potential of various regions. The extremely deep bio-weathering in the Amazon system has produced many important and new types of mineral deposits. In regions of intense and deep leaching, the input of many chemical species may be dominated by rain and aerosols.

Geochemical Background for Potentially Toxic Elements in Forested Soils of the State of Pará, Brazilian Amazon

“…The Amazon has specific characteristics, such as several mineral provinces that contain metavolcanic and metasedimentary rocks with high concentrations of PTEs, including iron (Fe), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), gold (Au), silver (Ag), and chromium (Cr) [10]. In this region, there is a need to define environmental monitoring parameters that consider the areas rich in mineral deposits.…”