ABSTRACT
In this work, the sulfur isotopic composition of Huanghe (the Yellow River) and Changjiang (the Yangtze River) were measured. Our study reveal that the sulfur isotopic compositions of dissolved sulfate ( δSO42- ) of the two large rivers show remarkably differential patterns and a scatter diagram of 8S042- plotted against the SO42- concentration can be used to elucidate them. Huanghe riverwater is characterized by enriching S with a high SO4 2- concentration. In addition, the δSO4 2- values of Changjiang water is characterized by depleting of S with a lower SO4 2- concentration. In addition, the δSO4 2- values of the Changjiang water show a fluctuating variation along the main channel. In contrast to Changjiang, the δSO4 2- of Huanghe water show progressively increase from the upper to lower reaches which reflects a comprehensive effects of different environmental conditions and sulfur sources on the river. The above-mentioned remarkable difference between Huanghe and Changjiang may be mainly attributed to their unique occurring environment, and the uplift of Qinghai-Xizang (Tibetan) Plateau has significant impact on the sulfate isotopic composition of these two large Chinese River.
