Ultra-thin window electron probe microanalysis of suspended particles in tributaries of Lake Baikal, Siberia

Fluvial suspended particles along with dissolved substances in riverine waters are valuable for understanding the processes in the watershed. Data on the chemical composition of suspended particles in the tributaries of Lake Baikal, Siberia are scarce and obtained mainly by regular techniques. Application of low-Z electron probe microanalysis with subsequent cluster analysis of the results appeared to specify the chemistry of different groups of suspended particles. Results obtained show that all the particles may be divided into three groups: (1) mineral, (2) organic, and (3) mixed. Contribution of these groups into the total composition of suspended sediments was evaluated. According to abundances of the particle groups, two categories of the rivers have been distinguished. Both chemical and mineralogical differences in suspended particles between two categories of Baikal tributaries are discussed. They are mainly conditioned by natural landscape features and the land use on the watersheds.