{"title":"Sulphur and oxygen stable isotopes in acid mine drainage impacted rivers of Meghalaya (India): deciphering the sulphide oxidation pathways.","authors":"Vivek Kumar, Dibyendu Paul, Sudhir Kumar","doi":"10.1080/10256016.2025.2456557","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10256016.2025.2456557","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Sulphur and oxygen stable isotopes of sulphate have been used to trace the sources of sulphur into aquatic systems. These isotopes have also been used to understand the transformation and fate of sulphur in the water bodies contaminated by AMD discharge from active and/or abandoned mines. Stable isotopes of oxygen in dissolved sulphate (δ<sup>18</sup>O<sub>SO4</sub>) and water (δ<sup>18</sup>O<sub>H2O</sub>) have helped to decipher the sulphide oxidation pathways and estimate their contributions. The present study is focused on analysing the composition of sulphur and oxygen stable isotopes of sulphate and oxygen stable isotope in AMD and Lunar-Lukha River water flowing through the coal mining area of the East Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya, in order to decipher the sulphide oxidation pathways. The results showed that the sulphur stable isotope of sulphate (δ<sup>34</sup>S<sub>SO4</sub>) ranged between -12.5 and -8.0 ‰ (VCDT). The oxygen isotope of sulphate (δ<sup>18</sup>O<sub>SO4</sub>) ranged between 1.4 and 2.0 ‰ (VSMOW). The oxygen isotope of water (δ<sup>18</sup>O<sub>H2O</sub>) was distributed between -6.2 and -4.2 ‰ (VSMOW). Pyrite oxidation was found to be the dominant source of sulphate in the Lunar-Lukha Rivers. The results of the stoichiometric isotope balance model showed that 68-83 % of sulphate derived Fe<sup>3+</sup> oxidation pathway, with a high portion of sulphate oxygen derived from water. The sulphite-water oxygen exchange model revealed the release of intermediate sulphoxyanions, suggesting the presence of an oxidation pathway of sulphide minerals to sulphate via sulphoxyanions. The results from this study will be helpful in defining effective remediation strategies to mitigate AMD impacts.</p>","PeriodicalId":14597,"journal":{"name":"Isotopes in Environmental and Health Studies","volume":" ","pages":"1-16"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-02-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143189299","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Bridget Seghers, Stephanie K Archer, Abigail Host, Abigail Bockus, Angela R Stahl, Michael J Polito
{"title":"Arithmetic normalisation models for the effects of lipid on carbon stable isotope values in silver carp (<i>Hypophthalmichthys molitrix</i>) tissue.","authors":"Bridget Seghers, Stephanie K Archer, Abigail Host, Abigail Bockus, Angela R Stahl, Michael J Polito","doi":"10.1080/10256016.2024.2442364","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10256016.2024.2442364","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Invasive silver carp (<i>Hypophthalmichthys molitrix</i>) threaten Mississippi River basin ecosystems due to their ability to outcompete native species. Stable carbon (δ<sup>13</sup>C) and nitrogen (δ<sup>15</sup>N) isotope analysis has been used to study how silver carp impact native ecosystems, but lipids in fish tissues commonly bias their δ<sup>13</sup>C values. Chemical lipid extraction and mathematical equations that normalise δ<sup>13</sup>C values for lipid content can account for this bias, but have not been assessed for silver carp. We examined δ<sup>13</sup>C, δ<sup>15</sup>N, and C:N ratios before and after chemical lipid extraction using 2:1 chloroform:methanol in silver carp muscle and whole fish collected along the Mississippi River. We used linear and natural log models to estimate lipid-extracted δ<sup>13</sup>C values in silver carp muscle and whole fish samples based on their non-lipid-extracted δ<sup>13</sup>C values and elemental C:N ratios. Arithmetic models were evaluated for best fit, parsimony, and accuracy between mathematically normalised and chemically lipid-extracted δ<sup>13</sup>C values. Chemical lipid extraction increased silver carp δ<sup>13</sup>C values and decreased C:N ratio in muscle and whole fish, and increased δ<sup>15</sup>N values in whole fish but not fish muscle. While both linear and natural log models accurately estimated lipid extracted δ<sup>13</sup>C values, natural log models provided better fit and parsimony throughout a wide range of C:N ratios. These results confirmed the need to account for lipid effects on δ<sup>13</sup>C values in silver carp. Moreover, our study will allow researchers to conduct isotopic analysis without the added time and cost of chemical lipid extraction and facilitate the comparison of silver carp muscle and whole fish isotopic values across studies.</p>","PeriodicalId":14597,"journal":{"name":"Isotopes in Environmental and Health Studies","volume":" ","pages":"1-17"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-01-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143065614","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Estimation of natural radioactivity and radiological hazards in river sediments (sand) used as building materials in South Africa.","authors":"Olusegun Yemi Omogunloye, Naven Chetty, Abiola Olawale Ilori","doi":"10.1080/10256016.2025.2455101","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10256016.2025.2455101","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study presents an investigation into the natural radioactivity levels of <sup>238</sup>U, <sup>232</sup>Th, and <sup>40</sup>K using a thallium-doped sodium iodide (NaI(TI)) detector and associated radiological hazards in river sediments, specifically sand, which serves as a crucial building material in the KwaZulu-Natal Province of South Africa. The assessment aims to provide insights into potential radiological risks posed by the utilization of these sediments in construction activities. The mean activity concentrations of <sup>238</sup>U, <sup>232</sup>Th, and <sup>40</sup>K are 145.33, 38.67, and 362.67 Bq kg<sup>-1</sup>, 124.64, 60.60, and 353.00 Bq kg<sup>-1</sup>, 144.00, 48.80, and 371.00 Bq kg<sup>-1</sup>, 92.95, 52.00, and 368.75 Bq kg<sup>-1</sup>, 133.55, 45.60, and 324.40 Bq kg<sup>-1</sup>, and 109.50, 52.50, 381.50 Bq kg<sup>-1</sup> for Umngeni River, Umsunduzi River, Ashburton Sarupen, Hammersdale, Kwanjobekazi, and Cator Ridge, respectively. The obtained values of the radiological hazard indices (radium equivalent activity, external hazard index, internal hazard index, and activity utilization index) were below the world average values reported for building materials. Therefore, the studied samples are radiologically safe for use as building materials in the study area because they may not constitute any severe radiological hazards to residents.</p>","PeriodicalId":14597,"journal":{"name":"Isotopes in Environmental and Health Studies","volume":" ","pages":"1-16"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-01-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143052349","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hyo Min Lee, Hui Je Jo, Hanna Choi, Hyeongseok Song, MinJung Park, Myoung Jung Kim, Seonhee Kim
{"title":"Stable H-O and radiogenic Sr isotopic ratios in bottled water in South Korea.","authors":"Hyo Min Lee, Hui Je Jo, Hanna Choi, Hyeongseok Song, MinJung Park, Myoung Jung Kim, Seonhee Kim","doi":"10.1080/10256016.2024.2430229","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10256016.2024.2430229","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Stable H-O and radiogenic Sr isotopic compositions of bottled water in South Korea were investigated to trace water origins and to elucidate hydrogeochemical water-rock interactions within aquifers. Eighty-one bottled water samples were collected across the country. The δD and δ<sup>18</sup>O values, and <sup>87</sup>Sr/<sup>86</sup>Sr ratios and Sr contents of groundwater-sourced bottled water samples were in the ranges of -68 to -40 ‰, -10 to -7 ‰, 0.7050-0.8112, and 14-400 μg L<sup>-1</sup>, respectively. The corresponding ranges for desalinated deep-ocean water samples were -1.2 to 1.6 ‰, -0.35 to 0.10 ‰, 0.7078-0.7092, and 12-407 μg L<sup>-1</sup>, respectively. Isotopic compositions indicate spatial variations in stable isotopic signatures with geographical location, while Sr isotopic ratios are correlated with the geological characteristics of water sources. Oxygen isotopic compositions of bottled water show a negative correlation with latitude, while Sr isotopic ratios vary with aquifer geology. The integration of stable and radiogenic isotopic compositions improves our understanding of water-rock interactions, enabling accurate authentication of water sources.</p>","PeriodicalId":14597,"journal":{"name":"Isotopes in Environmental and Health Studies","volume":" ","pages":"1-14"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-01-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143005377","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Application of <i>Tradescantia</i>-based test systems for the assessment of genotoxic effects of environmental radioactivity of undisturbed mountain soils (Aragats Massif, Armenia).","authors":"Olga Belyaeva, Rimma Avalyan, Anzhela Sargsyan, Anahit Atoyants, Evelina Agadjanyan, Rouben Aroutiounian","doi":"10.1080/10256016.2025.2451842","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10256016.2025.2451842","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Plant test systems are a sensitive way to detect the genetic effects of various contaminants in environmental compartments: water, soil and sediments. Biotesting of the genotoxicity of soil samples with various activity concentrations of naturally occurring (<sup>226</sup>Ra, <sup>232</sup>Th, <sup>40</sup>K) and artificial (<sup>137</sup>Cs) radionuclides in soil, from the territory of the Aragats Massif (Armenia) was carried out with the application of the <i>Tradescantia</i> micronucleus (Trad-MСN) and stamen hair mutation (Trad-SHM) bioassays of <i>Tradescantia</i> (clone 02) model test-object in the soil - plant system. Undisturbed soil sampling was performed in the southern slopes of the Aragats Massif, from different altitudes (from 1000 to 3200 m above sea level). The soils of the Aragats Massif exhibited a background level of naturally occurring materials (NORM) activity. The highest variability was indicated for <sup>40</sup>K. The activity concentration of <sup>137</sup>Cs in soils exhibited a naturally increased as the altitude increased. <i>Tradescantia</i> (clone 02) was grown on the undisturbed soils in the greenhouse. To determine the level of genotoxicity of the studied soil samples, the <i>Tradescantia</i>-based Trad-MCN and Trad-SHM tests were applied. The activity concentrations of NORM and artificial <sup>137</sup>Cs in soil and phytomass were determined using an HPGe detector-based gamma spectrometer (Canberra). <i>Tradescantia</i> (clone 02) accumulated mainly <sup>40</sup>K, accumulation of <sup>226</sup>Ra observed in one soil sample. In the areas with elevated activity of NORM, levels of genotoxicity were significantly higher compared to the control soil sample with the low rate of spontaneous mutation frequency. The positive correlation between genetic damages of <i>Tradescantia</i> (MCN and SSH) and contents of <sup>40</sup>K and <sup>226</sup>Ra in soils was revealed. The obtained results indicated the possibility of using Trad-MCN and Trad-SHM tests of <i>Tradescantia</i> (clone 02) for biotesting of background radioactivity in natural areas.</p>","PeriodicalId":14597,"journal":{"name":"Isotopes in Environmental and Health Studies","volume":" ","pages":"1-16"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-01-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143005369","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"In memoriam: Dr. Keith Alan Hobson, a pioneer of stable isotope ecology.","authors":"Leonard I Wassenaar","doi":"10.1080/10256016.2024.2434511","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10256016.2024.2434511","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":14597,"journal":{"name":"Isotopes in Environmental and Health Studies","volume":" ","pages":"1-2"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-12-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142768968","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Matthias Pilecky, Martin J Kainz, Leonard I Wassenaar
{"title":"Exploring hydrogen isotope fractionation in lipid biomolecules of freshwater algae: implications for ecological and paleoenvironmental studies.","authors":"Matthias Pilecky, Martin J Kainz, Leonard I Wassenaar","doi":"10.1080/10256016.2024.2419880","DOIUrl":"10.1080/10256016.2024.2419880","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Understanding the stable hydrogen isotope (<i>δ</i><sup>2</sup>H) composition and fractionation in lipid biomolecules of primary producers, such as terrestrial and aquatic plants, is crucial for deciphering past environmental conditions, as well as applying compound-specific stable isotope analysis for the study of metabolic and ecological processes. We conducted a new tracer experiment to explore the <i>δ</i><sup>2</sup>H composition of algal fatty acid biomarkers, focusing on freshwater algae, which form the base of aquatic food webs. We selected a range of algal species widely found in freshwater ecosystems and cultivated them under controlled conditions. First, we added <sup>2</sup>H<sub>2</sub>O to ambient water as a tracer to investigate the net hydrogen isotope fractionation during algal lipid synthesis at isotopic equilibrium, which is particularly informative for paleo-geochemical studies. Then, we conducted kinetic experiments to quantify the time needed for algal fatty acids to achieve isotopic steady-state conditions in response to the change in ambient water <i>δ</i><sup>2</sup>H values. Our findings revealed substantial variability in hydrogen isotope fractionation among different algal taxa and various fatty acids. Based on taxa, different fatty acids exhibited faster integration of water hydrogen than others, but they were not necessarily in the order of the biosynthetic pathway. This experiment underscores the complexity of hydrogen isotope fractionation and the requirement for controlled laboratory studies to properly apply compound-specific stable H isotope analysis techniques in ecological and paleo-environmental studies.</p>","PeriodicalId":14597,"journal":{"name":"Isotopes in Environmental and Health Studies","volume":" ","pages":"585-595"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142521954","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hannan Younis, Mian Mateen Ullah, Muhammad Adil Khan, Farooq Ahmad, Umair Azeem, Muhammad Waseem, Khurram Mehboob, Muhammad Ajaz, Wazir Muhammad
{"title":"Assessment of natural radioactivity levels in rice samples and their implications for radiological protection.","authors":"Hannan Younis, Mian Mateen Ullah, Muhammad Adil Khan, Farooq Ahmad, Umair Azeem, Muhammad Waseem, Khurram Mehboob, Muhammad Ajaz, Wazir Muhammad","doi":"10.1080/10256016.2024.2412707","DOIUrl":"10.1080/10256016.2024.2412707","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study investigates the levels of natural and artificial radioactivity in rice samples collected from various local markets in Islamabad, Pakistan. The <sup>226</sup>Ra, <sup>232</sup>Th, and <sup>40</sup>K activity concentrations were measured through gamma-ray spectrometry with a NaI(Tl) detector. The average activity concentrations were 1.67 ± 1.19 Bq kg<sup>-1</sup> for <sup>226</sup>Ra, 3.31 ± 1.83 Bq kg<sup>-1</sup> for <sup>232</sup>Th, and 88.51 ± 11.65 Bq kg<sup>-1</sup> for <sup>40</sup>K. Calculated radium equivalent (Ra<sub>eq</sub>) values ranged from 7.35 to 18.08 Bq kg<sup>-1</sup>, with a mean value of 11.11 Bq kg<sup>-1</sup>, all below the permissible maximum of 370 Bq kg<sup>-1</sup>. The absorbed dose rates ranged from 6.85 to 16.39 nGy h<sup>-1</sup>, with an average of 10.64 nGy h<sup>-1</sup>, falling below the acceptable limit of 51 nGy h<sup>-1</sup>. The outdoor and indoor radiation hazard indices (H<sub>ex</sub> and H<sub>in</sub>) had mean values of 0.03, both below the threshold value of one. The external and internal hazard indices (<i>I<sub>γ</sub></i> and <i>I<sub>α</sub></i>) were both 0.088, also below the critical value of one. The excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) ranged from 0.28 to 0.11, with a mean value of 0.18, which is less than the critical value of one. Overall, the radioactivity levels in the analyzed rice samples are within the acceptable limits set by the International Commission on Radiological Protection and are below global averages. These results offer important insights into the radiological safety of rice consumption in the study area.</p>","PeriodicalId":14597,"journal":{"name":"Isotopes in Environmental and Health Studies","volume":" ","pages":"615-627"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142500600","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"In memoriam: Dr. Keith Alan Hobson, a pioneer of stable isotope ecology.","authors":"Leonard I Wassenaar","doi":"10.1080/10256016.2024.2434511","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/10256016.2024.2434511","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":14597,"journal":{"name":"Isotopes in Environmental and Health Studies","volume":"60 6","pages":"555-556"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142836422","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Copper and its isotopes: a brief overview of its implications in geology, environmental system, and human health.","authors":"Tanya Srivastava, Nishchal Wanjari","doi":"10.1080/10256016.2024.2410290","DOIUrl":"10.1080/10256016.2024.2410290","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Copper, a malleable and ductile transition metal, possesses two stable isotopes. These copper isotopic composition data have recently found diverse applications in various fields and disciplines. In geology, copper isotopes serve as tracers that aid in investigating ore formation processes and the mechanisms of copper deposits Likewise, it has emerged as a valuable tracer in polluted environments. In plant biology, copper acts as an essential micronutrient crucial for photosynthesis, respiration, and growth. Copper isotopes contribute to understanding how plants uptake and dispense copper from the soil within their tissues. Similarly, in animals, copper serves as an essential trace element, playing a vital role in growth, white blood cell function, and enzyme activity. In humans, copper acts as an antioxidant, neutralising harmful free radicals within the body. It also helps in maintaining the nervous and immune system. Furthermore, copper isotopes find medical applications, particularly in cancer diagnostics, neurodegenerative diseases, and targeted radiotherapy. However, excessive copper can have detrimental effects in humans such as it can cause liver damage, nausea, and abdominal pain, whilst in plants it can affect the growth of plants, photosynthesis, and membrane permeability. This review emphasises the significance of copper and its isotopes in geology, the environment, and human health.</p>","PeriodicalId":14597,"journal":{"name":"Isotopes in Environmental and Health Studies","volume":" ","pages":"642-667"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142375468","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}