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Contaminant source apportionment by PIMMS lead isotope analysis and SEM-image analysis
R A McGill1, J M Pearce, N J Fortey
1NERC Isotope Geosciences Lab, University of Middlesex, Keyworth, UK. rarmc@nigl.nerc.ac.uk
Environmental Geochemistry and Health
|August 7, 2003
Summary
This study analyzed lead isotope ratios in soils from Wolverhampton and Nottingham using advanced microscopy and mass spectrometry. Findings reveal lead contamination sources in UK soils, primarily from local ore deposits and petrol additives.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Geochemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Lead (Pb) contamination in urban soils poses environmental and health risks.
- Identifying the sources of lead contamination is crucial for effective remediation strategies.
- Previous studies have indicated mixed origins of lead in UK soils, including industrial and automotive sources.
Purpose of the Study:
- To precisely analyze lead isotope ratios in individual metal-rich soil particles.
- To determine the distribution and isotopic variability of lead within different soil fractions.
- To identify and differentiate the primary sources of lead contamination in urban soils.
Main Methods:
- Combined scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for image analysis.
- Utilized laser ablation plasma ionization multi-collector mass spectrometry (LA-PIMMS) for high-precision lead isotope analysis.
- Sampled soils from Wolverhampton and Nottingham based on high lead concentrations and brownfield locations.
Main Results:
- Bulk lead isotope signatures from soil samples plotted along a mixing line between UK ore deposits and Australian ore (from petrol additives).
- Fine-grained, low-density soil fractions contained the majority of lead with isotope ratios similar to bulk soils.
- Small, dense, lead-enriched fractions showed distinct isotopic signatures, indicating enrichment in one of the identified end-member sources.
Conclusions:
- The study successfully differentiated lead contamination sources in urban soils using high-resolution isotopic analysis.
- Lead isotope analysis of soil fractions provides valuable insights into contaminant transport and source apportionment.
- Further characterization of individual lead-rich grains is ongoing to refine source identification.
