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Fertilizer characterization: isotopic data (N, S, O, C, and Sr)
Laura Vitòria1, Neus Otero, Albert Soler
1Department de Cristal.lographia, Mineralogia i Dipòsits Minerals, Facultat de Geologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Martí i Franquès, s/n 08028, Barcelona, Spain. lvitoria@geo.ub.es
Environmental Science & Technology
|July 21, 2004
Summary
This study details the isotopic analysis of commercial fertilizers, revealing their raw material origins and potential contaminant sources. Multi-isotopic analysis enhances tracing fertilizer contamination in environmental studies.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Geochemistry
- Isotope Geochemistry
Background:
- Fertilizers are crucial for agriculture but can introduce contaminants.
- Understanding fertilizer origins is key to managing environmental impacts.
- Isotopic signatures offer a powerful tool for source identification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a detailed isotopic characterization of commercial fertilizers.
- To identify the origin of raw materials and their associated heavy metals and REE.
- To evaluate the utility of multi-isotopic analyses for tracing fertilizer contamination.
Main Methods:
- Isotopic analysis of 27 commercial fertilizers in Spain.
- Measurement of delta15N (Ntotal, NO3), delta18O (NO3, SO4), delta34S (SO4), delta13C (Ctotal), and 87Sr/86Sr.
- Compilation and comparison with published isotopic data.
Main Results:
- Isotopic data successfully identified the origin of most fertilizer constituents.
- The 87Sr/86Sr ratio distinguished phosphate sources (phosphorites vs. carbonatites).
- This distinction indicated potential REE and heavy metal contamination.
Conclusions:
- Isotopic signatures of fertilizers provide insights into raw material origins and potential contaminants.
- Coupled isotopic analyses (e.g., delta15N(NO3)-delta18O(NO3)) improve contaminant tracing.
- Multi-isotopic analysis offers a robust method for distinguishing fertilizer contamination from other sources.