Trace Metal Enrichments in Water of the Okavango Delta (Botswana): Hydrological Consequences

Research reveals the Okavango Delta's hydrological complexity, identifying two distinct aquifers with independent behaviors. A surface fresh-water aquifer in the floodplain connects to channels, while a saline confined aquifer lies beneath islands, exhibiting enrichments in heavy metals, metalloids, and rare earth elements (REEs). These REE patterns, showing continuous enrichment from light to heavy REEs and positive Ce and Eu anomalies, fingerprint two different water sources. Sediment geochemistry remains consistent across locations, with no evidence of evaporitic deposits. The study's findings explain vegetation distribution through access to fresh water and highlight the Delta's unique hydrological architecture, differing from other islands.

Dauteuil, O., Jolivet, M., Dia, A., Murray‐Hudson, M., Makati, K., Barrier, L., Bouhnik Le Coz, M., Audran, A., & Radenac, A. (2021). Trace Metal Enrichments in Water of the Okavango Delta (Botswana): Hydrological Consequences. Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems, 22(5). Portico. https://doi.org/10.1029/2021gc009856