Stable isotope studies of the bioavailability of trace metals

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My research program consists of three components: development of new analytical tools for environmental analysis, development of predictive models and theories concerning the fate and distribution of trace metals in the environment and the development of technologies for the mitigation of releases to the environment by industrial activities. This proposal focuses on the first two of these activities with a particular emphasis on the fate and distribution of trace metals that interact with aquatic organisms. Trace metals often have more than one isotope (same number of protons but different total mass) and we can measure the amounts of each of the isotopes for a particular metal. Each isotope behaves slightly differently in nature (a phenomenon called fractionation) and we can measure the differences. My work aims to use the very small differences in isotope ratios to determine the sources and fate of metal contamination in the environment. At present very little is known about the mechanisms of isotope fractionation, particularly as they relate to aquatic biota. Our goal is to develop an understanding of the factors that control isotope fractionation in aquatic biota so that we can use the small differences observed as a means of determining from where an organism obtains contamination - this is a process called source partitioning. This research will contribute to our understanding of how trace metals behave in the environment and to our ability to manage metal pollutants.