Element Tracing in Environmental Science and Exploration of Metal Deposits

Element Tracing in Environmental Science and Exploration of Metal Deposits 

How Cu and Zn isotopes can be used to differentiate the impact of the geosphere and anthrosphere on the biosphere is exemplified by the work of Thapalia et al. [12], who used combined isotopic analysis of Zn and Cu to identify sources and timing of deposition of these metals in a sediment core from Lake Ballinger near Seattle, WA, USA. The lake is 53 km north of a Pb smelter that became operational in 1890 and then switched to a Cu ore smelter, used from 1905 until 1985. Isotopic changes with time are preserved, with the pre-smelter period in the core having (5 Zn of - -0.39%o and li Cu of - -0.77%o, whereas later than 1900 when the smelter was operating, is lower at- -0.14%o and d Cu is higher at -1-0.94. 

Microbial and fluids interaction with ore releases metals ore6 Cu = +0.29  

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