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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 11, 2026

A Method to Preserve Wetland Roots and Rhizospheres for Elemental Imaging

A Method to Preserve Wetland Roots and Rhizospheres for Elemental Imaging

Published on: February 15, 2021

Rare earth elements in German soils - A review.

Julia Mihajlovic¹, Jörg Rinklebe²

¹University of Wuppertal, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Soil- and Groundwater-Management, Pauluskirchstraße 7, D-42285 Wuppertal, Germany.

|April 30, 2018

Summary

Rare earth elements (REEs) are increasingly released into German soils, impacting human health and the environment. This review details REE content, geochemical behavior, and influencing factors in German soils.

Keywords:

Geochemical fraction Lanthanum (La)Mobilization Scandium (Sc)Wetland soils Yttrium (Y)

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Published on: September 11, 2016

Area of Science:

Environmental Science
Geochemistry
Soil Science

Background:

Rare earth elements (REEs) are crucial in modern technologies, leading to their environmental release.
Understanding REE behavior in soils is vital for assessing human health and environmental risks.
Limited data exists on REE interactions within German soil profiles.

Purpose of the Study:

To review current knowledge on REE content and mobilization in German soils.
To identify factors influencing REE accumulation and behavior in various soil types.
To assess the potential risks associated with REEs in the German environment.

Main Methods:

Literature review of existing studies on REE content in German soils.
Analysis of geochemical data to understand REE behavior and fractionation.
Correlation analysis between REE content and soil properties (e.g., clay, organic matter, minerals).

Main Results:

REE content varies significantly based on parent material, with Carbonatite soils showing the highest concentrations.
REE content in German soils correlates with clay, carbonate, organic matter, and metal oxide content.
Geochemical fractionation indicates low REE bioavailability and a high residual fraction in German soils.
Redox potential and pH are key factors controlling REE mobilization in soils with fluctuating water levels.

Conclusions:

This review provides a comprehensive overview of REE distribution and behavior in German soils.
Parent material and soil properties significantly influence REE content and mobility.
While bioavailability is generally low, specific conditions like redox potential can enhance REE mobilization, necessitating careful environmental monitoring.