Geogenic lanthanoid signature in coastal and marine waters from the southern Gulf of California

Lanthanoids in the southern Gulf of California (GC) seawater are reported for the first time. Lanthanoids showed differences between peninsular and continental coastline, coastal or marine ecosystems, and dry or rainy season. The chondrite-normalized values showed high variability but followed a same pattern. Light lanthanoids were more enriched than heavy ones. Values of ∑Ln and La/Lu were higher in continental than peninsular coastlines, coastal than adjacent marine ecosystems, and rainy than dry season. Differences were related to the lithology and perturbation degree of the ecosystem watersheds. The chondrite-normalized patterns are typical of geological origin. Slightly negative Ce anomaly was related to the low levels of oxygen in water for the oxidation of Ce (III) to Ce (IV) and its posterior scavenging. Negative δEu anomaly is explained by an influx of fluvial and eolian materials from the upper continental, while a positive Eu anomaly related to hydrothermal vent inputs was non-evidenced. [Display omitted] •Non-homogenous distribution of lanthanoid levels occurs in Gulf of California.•Chondrite-normalized lanthanoids have a well-defined pattern in seawaters.•The chondrite-normalized lanthanoid pattern is typical of geological origin.•The geogenic signature helps identify future anthropogenic inputs of lanthanoids.