Keywords
stable isotopes
isotopic fractionation
separation chromatographic columns
MC-ICP-MS
How to Cite
Abstract
Zinc (Zn) stable isotope environmental geochemistry is a relatively new field of research that focuses on understanding Zn's geochemical and biogeochemical cycling in natural systems, using Zn isotopic fractionation as a tracer for various processes. Zn isotopes are sensitive to various environmental conditions, including changes in oxidation states, biological uptake, and mineral weathering. This makes them valuable tools for studying both natural and anthropogenic influences on the environment. Zn is one of the most widely used metals in industry and is an essential metal in organic metabolic processes (including those in humans); it is toxic at high concentrations. Zn isotopes have been used to trace sources of contamination in soils and waters, especially in areas affected by mining activities and industrial emissions, thus supporting environmental geochemical assessments and remediation strategies. Zn stable isotope geochemistry has implications on different areas of geosciences, biochemical sciences, and even on medical sciences. This paper provides general information on natural sources of Zn, some of its industrial uses, Zn as an essential element in organic metabolism, and its toxicity. The main focus is to define some isotopic fractionation processes, explain their applications in a general way, define the sample preparation methodologies in the
laboratory, as well as the modern analytical methods to measure Zn isotopic fractionation, and finally, present some preliminary data of Zn isotopic measurements from current projects at Instituto de Geociencias-UNAM, Campus Juriquilla.
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