Geochemical characteristics of bottom sediments of the basin of Varzob River

The results of geochemical analysis of bottom sediments of the Varzob River in Central Tajikistan have been described. The particular attention has been paid to concentrations of thorium, uranium and rare earth elements. In the bottom sediments of the river, an increased content of uranium and thorium has been found in the composition of rare earth minerals. Traces of these minerals can be traced in the sediments of the Obi Chappa and Odjuk tributaries. The concentration of uranium and thorium in the bottom sediments of these rivers exceeds the clarke values by more than 12 times. The concentration of rare earth elements is also high, the excess over the clarke is from 2 to 7 times. (author)