Geochemistry of rare earth elements in groundwater from the Taiyuan Formation limestone aquifer in the Wolonghu Coal Mine, Anhui province, China

► REEs in groundwater are characterized by LREEs depletion relative to HREEs. ► Fractionation of REEs in groundwater may be effected by inorganic species of REEs. ► The negative Ce anomalies probably reflect the signature of the aquifer rocks. ► The aquifer rocks play roles in controlling the REE characteristics of groundwater.