Contrasting sources and enrichment mechanisms in lithium-rich salt lakes: A Li-H-O isotopic and geochemical study from northern Tibetan Plateau

作者：Fei Xue, Hongbing Tan, Xiying Zhang, M. Santosh, Peixin Cong, Lu Ge, Chao Li, Guohui Chen, Yu Zhang · 发表于：Geoscience Frontiers · 年份：2023 · DOI：10.1016/j.gsf.2023.101768 · 被引用次数：35 · 研究领域：Groundwater and Isotope Geochemistry、Geochemistry and Elemental Analysis、Geology and Paleoclimatology Research

Lithium (Li), a crucial mineral resource for modern high-tech industries, is notably abundant in the northern Tibetan Plateau, primarily within lithium-rich salt lakes. However, the exploration and development of these resources are hindered due to an incomplete understanding of their nature and origin. Here we present results from a comprehensive study on the hydrochemical parameters, whole-rock geochemistry, H-O isotopes, and Li concentrations in surface brine, river water, geothermal springs, and associated rocks from two representative lithium-enriched salt lakes, the Laguo Co (LGC) and Cangmu Co (CMC) in Tibet to understand the genetic mechanisms. Our water-salt balance calculations and H-O isotopic analysis reveal that Li in LGC and CMC primarily originates from the Suomei Zangbo (SMZB, ∼91%) and Donglong Zangbo (DLZB, ∼75%) rivers, respectively. It is estimated that the LGC and CMC took a minimum of 6.0 ka and 3.0 ka to accumulate their current lithium resources, respectively. The distinct geological characteristics reflect evolutionary differences between the two lakes, suggesting diverse lithium sources and enrichment processes. The high lithium ion concentration and light lithium isotope composition in the SMZB river waters indicate the genetic relationship with lithium-enriched geothermal springs in the Tibetan Plateau. Our results suggest that lithium in the LGC originates from lithium-enriched geothermal springs and is primarily supplied through the small-scale S...