GeoEnviro Training Professionals Inc. (GeoEnviroPro)

Contrary to their naming convention, rare earth elements ( REEs ) are far from rare and are found in small concentrations within mineral deposits around the world. Given their widespread prevalence in common applications such as portable electronics, transportation and telecommunications, these elements are present in the analytical footprint of a variety of sites.

When undergoing testing for some analytical techniques, REEs interfere with the measured quantities of other metallic elements giving false higher and lower results. This potential analytical challenge highlights the importance of understanding when rare earth elements are present and applying the correct methodology. The implications of solubility in relation to water hardness as a potential toxicity modifying factor will be discussed.