Showing papers on "Environmental isotopes published in 2012"
TL;DR: It is shown that the mixing of radioactive and stable isotope end members can be modelled to provide information on many natural processes, including 14C abundances in the modern atmosphere and the stable hydrogen and oxygen isotopic compositions of the oceans during glacial and interglacial times.
Abstract: Although most of them are relatively small, stable isotope deltas of naturally occurring substances are robust and enable workers in anthropology, atmospheric sciences, biology, chemistry, environmental sciences, food and drug authentication, forensic science, geochemistry, geology, oceanography, and paleoclimatology to study a variety of topics. Two fundamental processes explain the stable isotope deltas measured in most terrestrial systems: isotopic fractionation and isotope mixing. Isotopic fractionation is the result of equilibrium or kinetic physicochemical processes that fractionate isotopes because of small differences in physical or chemical properties of molecular species having different isotopes. It is shown that the mixing of radioactive and stable isotope end members can be modelled to provide information on many natural processes, including 14C abundances in the modern atmosphere and the stable hydrogen and oxygen isotopic compositions of the oceans during glacial and interglacial times. The...
198 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a conceptual model of the groundwater flowpaths has been developed and verified by geochemical modeling using ion relationships such as DIC/Cl −, Ca/(Ca+Mg)/SO 4 /(SO 4 ǫ+HCO 3 ), and environmental isotopes (δ 18 O, δ 2 H, 87 Sr/ 86 Sr, ε 34 S and δ 13 C) was carried out in order to determine the sources of recharge of the aquifer, the origin of solutes and the mixing processes in groundwater of Tivoli
112 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors used high-precision Tritium (3H) concentrations together with major ion and environmental isotope (Sr, C, O, H) geochemistry to constrain rates of recharge and geochemical processes in the Ovens catchment of the southeast Murray Basin, Australia.
80 citations
TL;DR: In the southern Murray Basin, d 18 O, d 2 H and d 13 C values, 87 Sr/86 Sr ratios, and a 14 C) constrain geochemical processes, recharge distribution and rates, and inter-aquifer mixing in the Riverine Province of the southern basin this paper.
72 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors evaluated the contribution of copious ponds distributed throughout the Taoyuan-Chungli Tableland (TCT) in northwestern Taiwan and found that both precipitation and pond water are the end sources of proximal shallow groundwater in the TCT.
44 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors provided hydrochemical and stable isotope data and their interpretations for 54 springs and 20 wells, monitored from 2002 to 2006, in the Southern Latium region of Central Italy to identify flow paths, recharge areas and hydrochemical processes governing the evolution of groundwater in this region.
Abstract: The present work provides hydrochemical and stable isotope data and their interpretations for 54 springs and 20 wells, monitored from 2002 to 2006, in the Southern Latium region of Central Italy to identify flow paths, recharge areas and hydrochemical processes governing the evolution of groundwater in this region. The hydrogeological conceptual model of the carbonate aquifers of southern Latium was based on environmental isotopic and hydrochemical investigation techniques to characterize and model these aquifer systems with the aim of achieving proper management and protection of these important resources. Most of the spring samples, issuing from Lepini, Ausoni and Aurunci Mts., are characterized as Ca-Mg-HCO3 water type, however, some samples show a composition of Na-Cl and mixed Ca-Na-HCO3-Cl waters. Groundwater samples from Pontina Plain are mostly characterized by Na-Cl and Ca-Cl type waters. Geochemical modeling and saturation index computation of the Lepini, Ausoni Aurunci springs and Pontina Plain wells shows an interaction with carbonate rocks. Most of the spring and well water samples were saturated with respect to calcite and dolomite, however all sampled waters were undersaturated with respect to gypsum and halite. The relationship between δ18O and δ2H, for spring and well water samples, shows shifts of both the slope and the deuterium excess when compared to the world meteoric (WMWL) and central Italy meteoric (CIMWL) water lines. The deviation of data points from the meteoric lines can be attributed to evaporation both during the falling of the rain and by run-off on the ground surface before infiltration. Most springs and wells have a deuterium excess above 10 ‰ suggesting the precipitation in the groundwater comes from the Mediterranean sector. On the basis of local isotopic gradients, in combination with topographic and geologic criteria, four recharge areas were identified in the Aurunci Mountains. In Pontina Plain, the elevations of the recharging areas suggest that the Lepini carbonate aquifers are feeding them.
36 citations
TL;DR: Topics are introduced using examples and real-life case studies such as food quality control where isotope analysis has already had a major impact, in terms of consumer protection, and examples illustrate the underlying principles of isotope profiling or fingerprinting.
Abstract: Stable isotope forensics: an introduction to the forensic application of stable isotope analysis, by W. Meier-Augenstein, Chichester, UK, Wiley-Blackwell, 2010, 296 pp, $110 (hardback), ISBN 047051...
24 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the effect of dam water on the hydrological system, and an isotope balance was established to compute the contribution of water storage component in groundwater, which indicated that an average of 13% of total groundwater in the upper aquifer came from dam water storage.
Abstract: Hydrochemical and isotopic data of waters from the Zeroud aquifer have been used to potentially provide a means for locating occurrences and to trace movements of a variety of natural and anthropogenic recharge waters in the Zeroud Basin, Central Tunisia. Geochemical data have been measured during the dam water release, from May to September 2005, with a sampling time step of 15 days. An implication of dam water has been demonstrated that is noticeable up along the main flow path to a distance of 10 km far from the injection site. Environmental isotopes 2H, 18O and 3H of water molecule were studied to investigate the effect of dam water on the hydrological system, and an isotope balance was established to compute the contribution of water storage component in groundwater. Based on isotopic mass balance, we assess that an average of 13% of total groundwater in the upper aquifer came from dam water storage. Three distinctive recharge waters in the aquifer can be determined. Water from local rainfall (pre-dam Zeroud River) that infiltrated into the boundaries of the Draa Affane Mountain was easily distinguished from the water influenced by anthropogenic recharge located in the Zeroud right rivulet. Distinguishable isotopic signatures of native wadi Zeroud recharge due to “recent lineal recharge” through the riverbed were also identified.
24 citations
01 Jan 2012
TL;DR: Isotopes of many elements have been used in terrestrial, atmospheric, and aqueous environmental studies, providing powerful tracers and rate monitors as mentioned in this paper, and are continuously produced from nuclear reactions involving cosmic rays both within the atmosphere and exposed surfaces, and from decay of long-lived isotopes.
Abstract: Isotopes of many elements have been used in terrestrial, atmospheric, and aqueous environmental studies, providing powerful tracers and rate monitors. Short-lived nuclides that can be used to measure time are continuously produced from nuclear reactions involving cosmic rays, both within the atmosphere and exposed surfaces, and from decay of long-lived isotopes. Nuclear activities have produced various isotopes that can be used as atmospheric and ocean circulation tracers. Production of radiogenic nuclides from decay of long-lived nuclides generates widespread distinctive isotopic compositions in rocks and soils that can be used to identify the sources of ores and trace water circulation patterns. Variations in isotope ratios are also generated as isotopes are fractionated between chemical species, and the extent of fractionation can be used to identify the specific chemical processes involved. A number of different techniques are used to separate and measure isotopes of interest depending upon the half-life of the isotopes, the ratios of the stable isotopes of the element, and the overall abundance of the isotopes available for analysis. Future progress in the field will follow developments in analytical instrumentation and in the creative exploitation of isotopic tools to new applications.
22 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, isotope analyses of hydrogen and oxygen were conducted to monitor the groundwater dynamics and to evaluate the recharge conditions of groundwater into the Najd aquifers in the south-east area of the country.
Abstract: The Najd, Oman, is located in one of the most arid environments in the world. The groundwater in this region is occurring in four different aquifers A to D of the Hadhramaut Group consisting mainly of different types of limestone and dolomite. The quality of the groundwater is dominated by the major ions sodium, calcium, magnesium, sulphate, and chloride, but the hydrochemical character is varying among the four aquifers. Mineralization within the separate aquifers increases along the groundwater flow direction from south to north-northeast up to high saline sodium-chloride water in aquifer D in the northeast area of the Najd. Environmental isotope analyses of hydrogen and oxygen were conducted to monitor the groundwater dynamics and to evaluate the recharge conditions of groundwater into the Najd aquifers. Results suggest an earlier recharge into these aquifers as well as ongoing recharge takes place in the region down to present day. Mixing of modern and submodern waters was detected by water isotopes in aquifer D in the mountain chain (Jabal) area and along the northern side of the mountain range. In addition, δ2H and δ18O variations suggest that aquifers A, B, and C are assumed to be connected by faults and fractures, and interaction between the aquifers may occur. Low tritium concentrations support the mixing assumption in the recharge area. The knowledge about the groundwater development is an important factor for the sustainable use of water resources in the Dhofar region.
21 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated the recharge in the unconfined aquifer of Thiaroye zone using both water table fluctuation (WTF), chloride mass balance (CMB) methods and environmental isotopes.
Abstract: The quaternary sandy sediments which cover most part of the Cap Vert peninsula bear considerable groundwater resources. The aquifer lying beneath a densely populated suburb zone is encountered with major issues such as induced recharge from anthropogenic surface derived pollution and rising water table to ground surface. The present study was aimed at investigating the recharge in the unconfined aquifer of Thiaroye zone using both water table fluctuation (WTF), chloride mass balance (CMB) methods and environmental isotopes. Seasonal fluctuations of groundwater in response to precipitation are monitored during time period (2010 to 2011) using “Thalimede Orpheus mini” recorders in two piezometers (P3-1 and PSQ1) as well as long term record. Chemical and isotopic characterization of groundwater, rainfall and the unsaturated zone were also carried out using a network of 48 points consisting of 8 rainfall stations, 10 unsaturated zone profiles and 30 dug wells, boreholes and piezometers. The concentrations of chloride in rainwater are between 3.2 and 53.4 mg/L. These unsaturated zone profiles range from 65 and 572 mg/L. The recharge obtained by WTF method ranged between 18 and 144 mm during the rainy season (June to October), whereas the recharge given by CMB method ranged between 8.7 and 73 mm/year. The Thiaroye aquifer recharge obtained from these different methods also showed relatively similar range values. In this study, the WTF method applied computes both infiltration from rainwater and domestic waste water, while the CMB method estimates potential recharge from rainwater. Therefore, in the urban area, the CMB method cannot be applied due to the chloride input from waste water infiltration. Key words : Thiaroye basin, recharge, isotopes, chloride mass balance (CMB), quaternary sandy aquifer (Dakar).
Dissertation•
01 Nov 2012
30 Mar 2012
TL;DR: Stable isotopes are tools that geobiologists use to investigate natural and experimental systems, with questions ranging from those aimed at modern environments and extant microorganisms, to deep time and the ancient Earth.
Abstract: Stable isotopes are tools that geobiologists use to
investigate natural and experimental systems, with
questions ranging from those aimed at modern environments
and extant microorganisms, to deep time and the
ancient Earth. In addition to a wide range of timescales,
stable isotopes can be applied over a vast range of spatial
scales. Isotope studies inform our understanding of
bulk planetary compositions, global element cycles,
down to the metabolism of single cells. With roots
extending back to the first half of the twentieth century
(Urey, 1947), stable isotope geobiology recently emerged
as a scientific discipline with questions rooted in geology
and Earth history, with methods adopted from
nuclear chemistry.
01 Jan 2012
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a survey on the state of the art in the field of organic geochemical and isotope analysis of plant leaves and show that they can be used to detect plant leaves.
Abstract: .................................................................................................................................................. vii LIST OF TABLES ....................................................................................................................................... xii LIST OF FIGURES .................................................................................................................................... xiii CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Overview ................................................................................................................................. 1 1.2 Thesis Outline ........................................................................................................................ 4 1.3 Initial survey of El’gygytgyn Core LZ1029-‐7: Bulk organic geochemical and stable isotope analysis ............................................................ 6 1.3.1 Methods ................................................................................................................. 7 1.3.2 Chronology ........................................................................................................... 8 1.3.3 Results and Discussion ................................................................................... 9 1.3.4 Conclusions ........................................................................................................ 12 1.4 References ............................................................................................................................ 14 2. MODERN ISOTOPE HYDROLOGY AND CONTROLS ON δD OF PLANT LEAF WAXES AT LAKE EL'GYGYTGYN, NE RUSSIA ............................................ 22 2.1 Abstract .................................................................................................................................. 22 2.2 Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 22 2.3 Study area: Location and climate ................................................................................ 26 2.4 Methods ................................................................................................................................. 27 2.4.1 Sample collection ............................................................................................ 27 2.4.1.1 Water samples ................................................................................ 27 2.4.1.2 Modern vegetation samples ..................................................... 27 2.4.1.3 Sediment traps and Sediment core tops ............................. 28 2.4.2 Analytical Methods ......................................................................................... 29 2.4.2.1 Water isotopic analysis .............................................................. 29 2.4.2.2 Compound-‐specific isotopic analysis (CSIA) ..................... 29
10 Jul 2012
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors used the stable isotopes oxygen-18 (O) and deuterium (H) to investigate the origin of water in the aquifer system while the radioactive isotopes carbon-14 (C) and tritium(H) were used to estimate the age and circulation of groundwater.
Abstract: Rising groundwater has affected many urban areas in the Middle East from large cities to individual development sites, resulting in widespread and costly damage to property, and dangers to public health. The main objective of this study is to use the environmental isotopes to identify the recharge source that is causing groundwater rise. The study area is located within the Greater Burgan oil field of Kuwait and covers an area of 25 km. The stable isotopes oxygen-18 (O) and deuterium (H) were used to investigate the origin of water in the aquifer system while the radioactive isotopes carbon-14 (C) and tritium (H), were used to estimate the age and circulation of groundwater. The results of C and tritium analyses have indicated that the sampled groundwater had experienced limited recharge from recent rainfall events. The isotopic fingerprints of potential recharge sources were markedly different from those of the groundwater, indicating no recharge from these sources. The isotopic similarity between the two aquifers confirmed the hydraulic interconnection between Dammam aquifer and the overlying Kuwait Group aquifer. It was concluded that the rise of the groundwater in the vicinity of the study area can be attributed to the upward seepage from Dammam Formation water to the subsurface and the infiltration of rainfall and water from the overflow of the nearby disposal pit.
21 May 2012
Book•
11 Aug 2012
TL;DR: The early Spectroscopic Studies of Isotopes and their Applications in Condensed Matter are described in this article, with a focus on stable and radioactive Isotope applications.
Abstract: Sub-nucleonic Structure and the Modern Picture of Isotopes.- Early Spectroscopic Studies of Isotopes.- Isotopes in Condensed Matter.- Effects Related to Isotopic Disorder in Solids.- Traditional Applications of Stable and Radioactive Isotopes.
01 Jan 2012
TL;DR: The study was conducted by collecting water samples annually from the center of the mud discharge and drilled wells around the area of Lapindo mud burst from 2007 to 2012 using environmental isotopes as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Study of The Lapindo Mud Burst Origin in The 2007 — 2012 Period Using Environmental Isotopes. Groundwater study around Lapindo mud burst, Sidoarjo, has been conducted from 2007 to 2012 using environmental isotopes. The objective of the study was to trace the groundwater origin through the isotopes variations. The study was conducted by collecting water samples annually from the center of the mud discharge and drilled wells around the area. For 14 C analysis, the water and the mud need to be separated before collecting of the samples, however, samples for 18 O and 2 H isotopes analysis were directly put into 30 ml bottles. For comparison purposes, several samples were also collected from drilled wells owned by local ice factory at Porong about 1 km away from the center of mud burst. Stable isotopes 18 O and 2 H result shows that the variations of 8,33 o/oo to 12,49 ‰ for 18 O and -8,9 ‰ to 1,8 ‰ for 2 H. These variations indicated that the water around the center of the burst has interacted with magmatic process. Meanwhile, stable isotopes δ 2 H and δ 18 O variations of water samples collected from drilled wells indicated that the water is meteoric water. Another result found from this study was that water sample collected from Porong
01 Jan 2012
TL;DR: In this article, the isotopic differential distribution is transmitted through the trophic chain, which can be used to determine the diet of ancient remains and to study paleodiets, paleomobilities and paleoclimates in paleoecological contexts.
Abstract: The elements of the periodic table are made of populations of isotopes (atoms with the same number of protons, but different number of neutrons). Interestingly, such isotopes may be differentially distributed in the nature. On some instances, such selective fractionation is carried out inside the living organisms, due to their peculiar physiologies. Such is the case of the carbon isotopes in the C3, C4 and CAM plants. Theretofore, it is possible to ascertain the diet of ancient remains, since such isotopic differential distribution is transmitted through the trophic chain. Other examples of isotopes used in archaeology include the nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen, sulfur, strontium, calcium, lead, selenium, zinc, potassium and aluminium. Some isotopes are stable, but others are radioactive and thus decay with time, being therefore an invaluable tool for dating archaeological remains. This way, it is not only possible to determine the age of inorganic and organic material, but also to study paleodiets, paleomobilities and paleoclimates in paleoecological contexts.