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Metal Stable Isotopes in Environmental Geochemistry
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:40:16
Abstract
The goal is to provide the students with basic knowledge and skills to understand the potential of metal stable isotope approaches in environmental geochemistry. The principles of metal stable isotope fractionation and nomenclature, relevant analytical methods, quantitative model approaches, and examples from the recent literature will be presented. Participants will give short oral presentations.
Objective
- The students acquire basic knowledge in the use of metal stable isotopes in environmental geochemistry. - The students know the analytical techniques which are utilized and can use observations of metal stable isotope fractionation to investigate metal sources and processes in environmental systems. - The students can apply quantitative models to describe these processes and the resulting isotope fractionation in natural systems. - The students understand the potential of stable isotope methods in the study of environmental metal cycling. - The students practice how to present and critically evaluate results from recent research articles.
Content
Metals act both as nutrients and pollutants in the environment. The natural and anthropogenic cycling of metals is accompanied by small but measurable fractionations of stable isotope ratios. The stable isotope signature of an environmental sample (water, soil, sediment, organism, etc.) may provide valuable information about the history of this sample. This includes for example distinguishing different metal sources and tracing biogeochemical transformation processes of metals in the environment. In this course, we will discuss the application of metal stable isotopes as tracers in environmental geochemistry. After a short general introduction into the principles and nomenclature of stable isotope geochemistry (with a focus on metals), the analytical methods used for stable metal isotope analysis will be introduced briefly. The development and potential of this emerging research area will be illustrated by examples from the recent literature. A particular focus will be placed on case studies from field systems in which metal isotope ratios have been applied as source and process tracers for anthropogenic pollution. Several exercises will be conducted in class, for instance dealing with quantitative model approaches (e.g., endmember mixing models, Rayleigh fractionation models). In addition, all students will give an oral presentation on a research article which will be discussed together.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- ungraded semester performance
Registration & Places
- Max Places
- 25
- Signup End
- 07.02.2020
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise |
Metal Stable Isotopes in Environmental Geochemistry
Block course: 10.-13.02.2020 (Mon-Thu, 9-12 and 13-17)
|
|
2 h weekly |