Sedimentary phosphorites as geochemical sponges: trace element scavenging, the chemical evolution of seawater and an innovative method for dating sediments

古代沉积磷矿是澳大利亚和东亚商业磷酸盐的主要来源。该项目将为采矿业提供目标更纯磷酸盐的工具，从而改善资源估算并最大限度地减少含有微量金属的肥料对环境的影响，从而为澳大利亚带来经济和环境效益。这项研究将增强我们对地球历史上关键时刻的性质和时间的理解，并可以作为未来研究使用磷酸盐进行环境修复的启动平台。我们希望通过与本土和国际学术合作者合作进行前沿研究，为澳大利亚研究生提供令人兴奋的机会。

Ancient sedimentary phosphorite is the major source of commercial phosphate in Australia and East Asia. This project will lead to economic and environmental benefits to Australia by providing the minerals industry with the tools to target purer phosphate, thus improving resource estimations and minimising the environmental impact of trace metal burdened fertiliser. The study will enhance our understanding of the nature and timing of key moments in Earth history and could serve as a launchpad for future studies on the use of phosphate for environmental remediation. We hope to provide exciting opportunities for Australian postgraduates through cutting edge research in partnership with both homespun and international academic collaborators.