SR-XRFA in Biogeochemical Studies: Elemental Composition of Larch Tissues (Larix cajanderi Mayr.) of the Kuranakh Gold ore Field (Russia, Yakutia)

Technogenic impact on the elemental composition of larch (Larix cajanderi Mayr.) in the Kuranakh Gold ore field (Russia, Yakutia) is considered. Elemental composition of the larch tissues was determined by means of X-ray fluorescence measurements with synchrotron radiation at the “Siberian Synchrotron and Terahertz Radiation Center” based on VEPP-3 of the Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics SB RAS. Comprehensive possibilities of the X-ray fluorescence measurements along with the simple preparation of biological samples, allowed us to carry out valuable biogeochemical studies. New data on the accumulation of macroelements K, Ca, Mn, Fe, biophilic microelements Cu, Zn, chalcophilous Mo, Pb, Ag, As, Sb, Ga, Cd, Tl, rare lithophilous Rb, Sr, Zr, Y, Nb, in the tissues of larch (Larix cajanderi Mayr.) of the natural taiga landscape and the tailing dump in the Kuranakh Gold ore field were obtained. The results allow us to assess both natural and technogenic biogeochemical anomalous aureole of gold mining areas.