Stable ‘Non-Traditional’ Isotopes - Application of Geochemical Tracers to Fluvial Sediment - page 131

Cu becoming isotopically lighter to a depth of about 0.4m. They attributed the Cu
isotopic variations to adsorption processes, and argued that the

65 Cu values could
be used to assess the depth to which smelter-derived Cu was transported downward
within the soil since smeltering operations had been initiated. In contrast, Zn isotopic
values varied between ash, organic horizons, bedrock and slag. Moreover, the nature
of the variations was such that they could be explained by mixing processes. Zn iso-
topic variations within the organic rich surface layers could be explained by mixing
of natural soil materials with smelter Zn and the cycling of Zn within the soil-plant
system. Both processes produced isotopically ligher Zn values. Within the mineral
soil (below the organic horizons), small variations followed a defined mixing line
between isotopically light Zn leached from the organic horizons and background Zn
in the soil. Evidence of Zn fractionation by adsorption processes were lacking. Thus,
a determination of the relative contributions of the trace metals with the soils and
their subsequent downward movement through the soil required the combined use
of Cu and Zn isotopes. Similar studies in which multiple isotopic tracers are applied
to more fully understand the temporal and spatial changes in trace metal source and
source contributions are likely to become more common in the future, not only with
regards to contaminated soils, but riverine environments.

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