Variation in the isotopic composition of zinc in the natural environment and the use of zinc isotopes in biogeosciences: a review |
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Authors: | Christophe Cloquet Jean Carignan Moritz F Lehmann Frank Vanhaecke |
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Institution: | Department of Analytical Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281-S12, 9000, Ghent, Belgium. cloquet@crpg.cnrs-nancy.fr |
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Abstract: | Zinc (Zn) is a trace element that is, as a building block in various enzymes, of vital importance for all living organisms.
Zn concentrations are widely determined in dietary, biological and environmental studies. Recent papers report on the first
efforts to use stable Zn isotopes in environmental studies, and initial results point to significant Zn isotope fractionation
during various biological and chemical processes, and thus highlight their potential as valuable biogeochemical tracers. In
this article, we discuss the state-of-the-art analytical methods for isotopic analysis of Zn and the procedures used to obtain
accurate Zn isotope ratio results. We then review recent applications of Zn isotope measurements in environmental and life
sciences, emphasizing the mechanisms and causes responsible for observed natural variation in the isotopic composition of
Zn. We first discuss the Zn isotope variability in extraterrestrial and geological samples. We then focus on biological processes
inducing Zn isotope fractionation in plants, animals and humans, and we assess the potential of Zn isotope ratio determination
for elucidating sources of atmospheric particles and contamination. Finally, we discuss possible impediments and limitations
of the application of Zn isotopes in (geo-) environmental studies and provide an outlook regarding future directions of Zn
isotope research. |
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Keywords: | Zn isotopes Isotopic variation Biogeosciences Source tracer Fractionation mechanisms |
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