J1-9179 - Non-traditional isotopes as identifiers of authigenic carbonates

Objectives

→ To apply advanced analytical tools - non-traditional isotopes and 2D MS mapping with laser ablation ICP-MS combined with field emission scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive microanalysis - for the analysis of the formation of authigenic carbonate phases in freshwater sediments and aquifers;

→ To extend the knowledge on non-traditional isotopes of U, Th, Mo, Sr and Mg in marine environments to freshwater environments, so as to identify and quantify authigenic carbonate precipitation in terrestrial aquatic environments and in karstic aquifer;

→ To identify and quantify the extent of authigenic carbonate precipitation in recent sediments with a combination of traditional geochemical tools (i.e. elemental ratios, stable isotopes of C and O, C-14) for determination of the origin of C in carbonates and with new isotopic tools to identify and quantify the extent of authigenic carbonate precipitation in recent sediments.

The test environments are the (1) karstic limestone and dolostone aquifer recharging the river Ljubljanica, (ii) tufa barriers in Krka river and (iii) lacustrine carbonaceous sediments formed in lentic sections of Krka river. The field studies will be supported with laboratory mesocosm experiments, conducted to obtain information on element partition and isotope fractionation between water and carbonate, which cannot be measured directly in discrete samples obtained in complex natural environments.

Project phases

COVID-19 lockdown and the project

Phase 1: Development and adaptation of advanced (micro)analytical techniques

Phase 2: Mesocosm experiments

Phase 3: Case studies

Phase 4: Synthesis and dissemination

Project results