Publications
201 results found
Zhou J, Moore RET, Rehkämper M, et al., 2024, Cadmium and zinc isotope compositions indicate metal sources and retention mechanisms in different soil particle size fractions, Journal of Hazardous Materials, Vol: 461, ISSN: 0304-3894
Soil particle size may significantly affect metal distribution and stable isotopic behavior. Here, two soils were separated into four particle size fractions, namely fine sand, silt, fine silt, and colloidal particles and used to determine cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) concentrations and isotope compositions. Concentrations of Cd and Zn were generally enriched in the finer particles and positively correlated with the iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) oxide contents. However, Cd concentration in the fine sand was higher than in the silt fraction due to the higher soil organic matter contents in the former particle fraction. The maximum δ114/110Cd value was found in the colloidal particles (−0.02 and 0.01‰) of both soils while the minimum was in the silt particles (−0.12 and single bond0.06‰). Incorporation into the mineral lattice of Fe and Mn oxides is suggested to explain the slight enrichment of heavy Cd isotopes in the colloidal fraction. The similar δ66Zn values of the four particle fractions (0.20–0.29‰ with a mean of 0.25‰) indicate similar Zn sources in different particle sizes. Metal isotopic fingerprint of different soil particle size fractions provides further insight into underlying metal retention mechanisms within soil micro-zones and helps in tracing metal sources and biogeochemical processes.
Packmann H, Little SH, Nieto JM, et al., 2023, Tracing acid mine drainage and estuarine Zn attenuation using Cd and Zn isotopes, Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, Vol: 360, Pages: 36-56, ISSN: 0016-7037
It has been estimated that the acid mine drainage (AMD) impacted Odiel river basin in southern Spain supplies 0.37% and 15% of the global riverine fluxes of Cd and Zn to the oceans, respectively (Sarmiento et al., 2009). However, the behaviour of Cd and Zn in the Ria of Huelva estuary, which connects the Odiel and Tinto watersheds with the Gulf of Cadiz, has yet to be fully investigated. Furthermore, very few studies have investigated Cd and Zn isotope behaviour in estuaries worldwide. This study presents Cd and Zn concentrations and isotopic compositions for the Ria of Huelva estuary and surrounding watersheds, sampled in 2017 and 2019. Sulfide-rich rock samples extracted from three mines yield Cd and Zn isotope compositions that range from –0.14‰ to +0.07‰ (n = 4) for δ114Cd and –0.01‰ to +0.29‰ (n = 4) for δ66Zn. However, a uniform riverine signal of about +0.02‰ for Cd and +0.17‰ for Zn indicates that tracing of individual mining regions using Cd and Zn isotopes is challenging. Limited variability was observed in dissolved δ114Cd values throughout the watershed, including AMD, the estuary, and the Gulf of Cadiz, with a mean value of ±0.00 ± 0.13‰ (n = 25, 2 SD; excludes one AMD outlier, at +0.48‰), including both 2017 and 2019 data. By contrast, δ66Zn values ranged from –0.12‰ to +0.35‰ (n = 28) for the same geographical and temporal scope. In May 2017, a large spill from an abandoned mine, La Zarza, resulted in a drastic increase in the concentrations of trace metals reaching the estuary compared to 2019, but no impact of this mine spill on Cd or Zn isotope compositions is observed. In 2019, an increase in δ66Zn values in the estuary coincided with high pH values (up to pH = 8.8) and chloride concentrations (2.73%), which may reflect an alkaline anthropogenic input from the active neighbouring industrial complex. Overall, Cd concen
Greenwood RC, Findlay R, Martins R, et al., 2023, The formation and aqueous alteration of CM2 chondrites and their relationship to CO3 chondrites: a fresh isotopic (O, Cd, Cr, Si, Te, Ti and Zn) perspective from the Winchcombe CM2 fall, Meteoritics and Planetary Science, ISSN: 1086-9379
As part of an integrated consortium study, we have undertaken O, Cd, Cr, Si, Te, Ti, and Zn whole rock isotopic measurements of the Winchcombe CM2 meteorite. δ66Zn values determined for two Winchcombe aliquots are +0.29 ± 0.05‰ (2SD) and +0.45 ± 0.05‰ (2SD). The difference between these analyses likely reflects sample heterogeneity. Zn isotope compositions for Winchcombe show excellent agreement with published CM2 data. δ114Cd for a single Winchcombe aliquot is +0.29 ± 0.04‰ (2SD), which is close to a previous result for Murchison. δ130Te values for three aliquots gave indistinguishable results, with a mean value of +0.62 ± 0.01‰ (2SD) and are essentially identical to published values for CM2s. ε53Cr and ε54Cr for Winchcombe are 0.319 ± 0.029 (2SE) and 0.775 ± 0.067 (2SE), respectively. Based on its Cr isotopic composition, Winchcombe plots close to other CM2 chondrites. ε50Ti and ε46Ti values for Winchcombe are 3.21 ± 0.09 (2SE) and 0.46 ± 0.08 (2SE), respectively, and are in line with recently published data for CM2s. The δ30Si composition of Winchcombe is −0.50 ± 0.06‰ (2SD, n = 11) and is essentially indistinguishable from measurements obtained on other CM2 chondrites. In conformity with petrographic observations, oxygen isotope analyses of both bulk and micromilled fractions from Winchcombe clearly demonstrate that its parent body experienced extensive aqueous alteration. The style of alteration exhibited by Winchcombe is consistent with relatively closed system processes. Analysis of different fractions within Winchcombe broadly support the view that, while different lithologies within an individual CM2 meteorite can be highly variable, each meteorite is characterized by a predom
Barati E, Moore RET, Ullah I, et al., 2023, Publisher Correction: An investigation of zinc isotope fractionation in cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) and comparison of zinc and cadmium isotope compositions in hydroponic plant systems under high cadmium stress., Sci Rep, Vol: 13
Morton EM, Kreissig K, Coles BJ, et al., 2023, A new double spike method for the determination of mass-dependent Te isotope compositions of meteorites and terrestrial materials by MC-ICP-MS, Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry, Vol: 38, Pages: 1192-1204, ISSN: 0267-9477
This study presents a new method for the determination of mass-dependent Te isotope compositions. The process encompasses a new column chromatographic procedure which separates Te from chondritic and iron meteorites and diverse terrestrial rocks with high yield and purity, combined with a robust 125Te–128Te double spike and optimised multi collector ICP-MS protocols. This allows for precise (2SD = 0.07‰) determination of the mass-dependent 130Te/125Te isotope ratio using analyte solutions containing as little as 6 ng of natural Te. The efficacy of the method is demonstrated by repeat analyses of terrestrial rock reference materials and meteorites, which show overall good agreement with previous work. In addition, an inter-laboratory cross-calibration of three different Te standard solutions was performed. This inter-laboratory cross-calibration is highly advantageous, as a well-calibrated isotope reference material is not yet available for Te. Isotope mass balance and mixing equations performed in this study show that hypothetical mass-independent Te isotope effects of reasonable magnitude are unlikely to have a significant impact on the measured mass-dependent Te isotope compositions at the current level of analytical precision. Finally, this study presents the first precise mass-dependent Te isotope composition obtained for an iron meteorite, Canyon Diablo, and komatiite reference material KAL-1 using the double spike technique.
Zhou J, Moore RET, Rehkämper M, et al., 2023, Zinc supply affects cadmium uptake and translocation in the hyperaccumulator Sedum plumbizincicola as evidenced by isotope fractionation., Environmental Science and Technology (Washington), Vol: 57, Pages: 5891-5902, ISSN: 0013-936X
This study employs stable isotope analysis to investigate the mechanisms of cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) interaction in the metal hyperaccumulating plant species Sedum plumbizincicola. To this end, the Cd and Zn isotope compositions of root, stem, leaf, and xylem sap samples were determined during metal uptake and translocation at different Cd and Zn concentrations. The enrichment of light isotopes of both elements in plants during uptake was less pronounced at low metal supply levels, likely reflecting the switch from a low-affinity to a high-affinity transport system at lower levels of external metal supply. The lower δ114/110Cd values of xylem sap when treated with a metabolic inhibitor decreasing the active Cd uptake further supports the preference of heavier Cd isotopes during high-affinity transport. The Δ66Znplant-initial solution or Δ66Znplant-final solution values were similar at different Cd concentrations, indicating negligible interaction of Cd in the Zn uptake process. However, decreasing Zn supply levels significantly increased the enrichment of light Cd isotopes in plants (Δ114/110Cd = -0.08‰) in low-Cd treatments but reduced the enrichment of light Cd isotopes in plants (Δ114/110Cd = 0.08‰) under high Cd conditions. A systematic enrichment of heavy Cd and light Zn isotopes was found in root-to-shoot translocation of the metals. The Cd concentrations of the growth solutions thereby had no significant impact on Zn isotope fractionation during root-to-shoot translocation. However, the Δ114/110Cdtranslocation values hint at possible competition between Cd and Zn for transporters during root-to-shoot transfer and this may impact the transport pathway of Cd. The stable isotope data demonstrate that the interactions between the two metals influenced the uptake and transport mechanisms of Cd in S. plumbizincicola but had little effect on those of Zn.
Olivelli A, Murphy K, Bridgestock L, et al., 2023, Decline of anthropogenic lead in South Atlantic Ocean surface waters from 1990 to 2011: new constraints from concentration and isotope data, Marine Pollution Bulletin, Vol: 189, Pages: 1-14, ISSN: 0025-326X
Anthropogenic emissions have severely perturbed the marine biogeochemical cycle of lead (Pb). Here, we present new Pb concentration and isotope data for surface seawater from GEOTRACES section GA02, sampled in the western South Atlantic in 2011. The South Atlantic is divided into three hydrographic zones: equatorial (0–20°S), subtropical (20–40°S), and subantarctic (40–60°S). The equatorial zone is dominated by previously deposited Pb transported by surface currents. The subtropical zone largely reflects anthropogenic Pb emissions from South America, whilst the subantarctic zone presents a mixture of South American anthropogenic Pb and natural Pb from Patagonian dust. The mean Pb concentration of 16.7 ± 3.8 pmol/kg is 34 % lower than in the 1990s, mostly driven by changes in the subtropical zone, with the fraction of natural Pb increasing from 24 % to 36 % between 1996 and 2011. Although anthropogenic Pb remains predominant, these findings demonstrate the effectiveness of policies that banned leaded gasoline.
Barati E, Moore R, Ullah I, et al., 2023, An investigation of zinc isotope fractionation in cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) and comparison of zinc and cadmium isotope compositions in hydroponic plant systems under high cadmium stress, Scientific Reports, Vol: 13, Pages: 1-13, ISSN: 2045-2322
This study aims to establish whether zinc (Zn) and cadmium (Cd) share similar physiological mechanisms for uptake and translocation in cacao plants (Theobroma cacao L.). Multiple-collector ICP-MS was used to determine the Zn stable isotope compositions in the roots, stems and leaves of 19 diverse cacao genotypes grown in hydroponics with 20 µmol L−1 CdCl2. Additional plants of one genotype were grown in hydroponic solutions containing lower Cd concentrations (0 and 5 µmol L−1 added CdCl2). Regardless of the Cd concentration used in the exposures, the Zn stable isotope compositions show the same systematic patterns in plant organs, with δ66Znroot > δ66Znstem > δ66Znleaf (δ66Zn denotes relative differences in 66Zn/64Zn ratios in parts per thousand). The mean Zn stable isotope fractionation between the plants and the hydroponic solutions was ε66Znuptake = –1.15 ± 0.36‰ (2SD), indicating preferential uptake of isotopically light Zn by plants from the hydroponic solution. The mean stable isotope fractionation factor associated with translocation of Zn from roots to shoots, ε66Znseq-mob = + 0.52 ± 0.36‰ (2SD), shows that isotopically heavy Zn is preferentially sequestered in the cacao roots, whilst isotopically light Zn is mobilised to the leaves. A comparison with the Cd stable isotope compositions of the same plants shows that both isotopically light Zn and Cd are preferentially taken up by cacao plants. In contrast to Zn, however, the cacao roots retain isotopically light Cd and transfer isotopically heavy Cd to the leaves.
Pickard H, Palk E, Wood BJ, et al., 2023, Cadmium isotope fractionation during metal-silicate partitioning – Results and implications for Earth's volatile accretion, Chemical Geology, Vol: 618, Pages: 1-14, ISSN: 0009-2541
Metal-silicate partitioning experiments were carried out at 1.5 GPa and 1508 to 1843 K to constrain Cd partitioning and isotope fractionation during core formation. At the studied conditions, there was no significant stable isotope fractionation during Cd partitioning between metal and silicate phases with a mean ∆114Cdmet-sil = −0.02 ± 0.09‰ (2SD, n = 7). Two experiments that investigated sulphide-silicate partitioning of Cd yielded fractionation factors of −0.04 ± 0.06‰ and − 0.23 ± 0.07‰ (2SE), whereby the latter result was obtained for a short run that may not represent full equilibrium. In summary, the findings suggest that Cd isotope fractionation during segregation of Earth's core was either absent or very minor. The Cd partitioning data of this and previous investigations were combined in multiple linear regression analyses to better constrain Cd metal-silicate partitioning during core formation. In accord with earlier work, the analyses reveal that Cd metal-silicate partitioning is not significantly impacted by temperature and pressure but affected by the S content of the metal phase. In addition, it is shown that the presence of C and Si in the metal reduce the siderophile character of Cd. Based on estimates for the composition of Earth's core, the data suggest a metal-silicate partition coefficient DCd of about 0.4 for a single-stage core formation event. However, given uncertainties about the light element composition of Earth's core, DCd values larger than 1 cannot be ruled out at present for core formation. The results of this study and data on the composition of the bulk silicate Earth and chondritic meteorites were applied in mass balance calculations to constrain the Cd signature of Earth's main stage accretion material prior to delivery of the late veneer. The modelling indicates Earth's main stage of accretion involved material with an average Cd isotope composition that was lighter than
Martins R, Kuthning S, Coles B, et al., 2023, Nucleosynthetic isotope anomalies of zinc in meteorites constrain the origin of Earth’s volatiles, Science, Vol: 379, Pages: 369-372, ISSN: 0036-8075
Material inherited from different nucleosynthesis sources imparts distinct isotopic signatures to meteorites and terrestrial planets. These nucleosynthetic isotope anomalies have been used to constrain the origins of material that formed Earth. However, anomalies have only been identified for elements with high condensation temperatures, leaving the origin of Earth’s volatile elements unconstrained. We determined the isotope composition of the moderately volatile element zinc in 18 bulk meteorites and identified nucleosynthetic zinc isotope anomalies. Using a mass-balance model, we find that carbonaceous bodies, which likely formed beyond the orbit of Jupiter, delivered about half of Earth’s zinc inventory. Combined with previous constraints obtained from studies of other elements, these results indicate that ~10% of Earth’s mass was provided by carbonaceous material.
Pickard H, Palk E, Schönbächler M, et al., 2022, The cadmium and zinc isotope compositions of the silicate Earth – implications for terrestrial volatile accretion, Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, Vol: 338, Pages: 165-180, ISSN: 0016-7037
Zinc and Cd isotope compositions are presented for a comprehensive suite of terrestrial rocks to constrain the extent of Zn and Cd isotope fractionation during igneous processes and better define the δ66Zn and δ114Cd values of the silicate Earth (the δ values denote per mille deviations of 66Zn/64Zn from JMC Lyon Zn and of 114Cd/110Cd from NIST SRM 3108 Cd). Analyses of spinel lherzolites provide a bulk silicate Earth (BSE) δ114CdBSE value of –0.06 ± 0.03‰ (2SD). For Zn, the peridotite data of the current and previous studies define a mean δ66ZnBSE = 0.20 ± 0.05‰ (2SD). Komatiite analyses of this and published investigations yield similar mean values, which suggests that the Zn and Cd isotope compositions of the mantle remained fairly constant since the Archean. Data for loess provide upper continental crust compositions of δ114Cd = 0.03 ± 0.10‰ and δ66Zn = 0.23 ± 0.07‰. The Zn isotope and abundance data for peridotites and oceanic basalts are in accord with the previous observation of a mantle array, with basalts having higher Zn concentrations and δ66Zn values than the peridotites. To a first order, this reflects slightly incompatible behaviour of Zn during mantle melting and melt differentiation with associated enrichment of heavy Zn isotopes in the melt phase. Cadmium is marginally more incompatible than Zn during igneous processes and the oceanic basalts also display a minor enrichment of heavy Cd isotopes relative to peridotites. However, secondary processes produce significant Cd isotope variability in both mantle melts and peridotites, obscuring the primary igneous array. The δ66ZnBSE estimates of this and previous studies resemble the Zn isotope compositions of CV and CO carbonaceous and some enstatite chondrites. In contrast, the BSE has a lower δ114CdBSE value than enstatite and carbonaceous chondrites. This implies that the Cd isotope
Packman H, Little SH, Baker AR, et al., 2022, Tracing natural and anthropogenic sources of aerosols to the Atlantic Ocean using Zn and Cu isotopes, Chemical Geology, Vol: 610, Pages: 1-14, ISSN: 0009-2541
Anthropogenic activities have significantly enhanced atmospheric metal inputs to the ocean, which has potentially important consequences for marine ecosystems. This study assesses the potential of Zn and Cu isotope compositions to distinguish between natural and anthropogenic atmospheric inputs of these metals to the surface ocean. To this end, the isotopic compositions of Zn and Cu in aerosols collected from the eastern tropical Atlantic Ocean on the GEOTRACES GA06 cruise are examined. Enrichment factors and fractional solubility measurements indicate the presence of a significant anthropogenic component in the aerosols collected furthest from the North African dust plume for both Zn and Cu. The mean δ65CuNIST SRM 976 for the fully digested aerosols is +0.07 ± 0.39 ‰ (n = 9, 2 SD), which is indistinguishable from the lithogenic value, and implies that Cu isotopes are not an effective tracer of aerosol sources in this region. The mean δ66ZnJMC-Lyon value for the aerosols that underwent a total digestion is +0.17 ± 0.22 ‰ (n = 11, 2 SD). The aerosols leached with ammonium acetate have similar Zn isotope compositions, with a mean of +0.15 ± 0.16 ‰ (n = 7, 2 SD). The aerosols were collected in a region with prevalent mineral dust but, despite this, exhibit isotopically lighter Zn than lithogenic Zn with δ66Zn ≈ +0.3 ‰. When coupled with the previously published Pb isotope data, the aerosols exhibit coupled Zn-Pb isotope systematics that are indicative of mixing between mineral dust (δ66Zn = +0.28 ‰ and 206Pb/207Pb = 1.205) and anthropogenic emissions (δ66Zn = −0.22 ‰ and 206Pb/207Pb = 1.129). This demonstrates the potential of Zn isotopes to trace atmospheric Zn inputs from anthropogenic sources to the surface ocean.
Hunt AC, Theis KJ, Rehkamper M, et al., 2022, The dissipation of the solar nebula constrained by impacts and core cooling in planetesimals, 85th Annual Meeting of the Meteoritical-Society, Publisher: Wiley, Pages: 1-1, ISSN: 1086-9379
Martins R, Kuthning S, Coles BJ, et al., 2022, Nucleosynthetic Zn anomalies reveal the origin of Earth’s volatiles, 85th Annual Meeting of the Meteoritical Society (2022), Publisher: Wiley, ISSN: 1086-9379
Braukmueller N, Funk C, Abouchami W, et al., 2022, Moderately volatile element fractionation in chondrites constrained by isotope dilution and Cd and Zn stable isotope data, 85th Annual Meeting of the Meteoritical Society (2022), Publisher: Wiley, ISSN: 1086-9379
Hunt AC, Theis KJ, Rehkamper M, et al., 2022, The dissipation of the solar nebula constrained by impacts and core cooling in planetesimals, Nature Astronomy, Vol: 6, Pages: 812-818, ISSN: 2397-3366
Rapid cooling of planetesimal cores has been inferred for several iron meteorite parent bodies on the basis of metallographic cooling rates, and linked to the loss of their insulating mantles during impacts. However, the timing of these disruptive events is poorly constrained. Here, we used the short-lived 107Pd–107Ag decay system to date rapid core cooling by determining Pd–Ag ages for iron meteorites. We show that closure times for the iron meteorites equate to cooling in the time frame ~7.8–11.7 Myr after calcium–aluminium-rich inclusion formation, and that they indicate that an energetic inner Solar System persisted at this time. This probably results from the dissipation of gas in the protoplanetary disk, after which the damping effect of gas drag ceases. An early giant planet instability between 5 and 14 Myr after calcium–aluminium-rich inclusion formation could have reinforced this effect. This correlates well with the timing of impacts recorded by the Pd–Ag system for iron meteorites.
Poole GM, Stumpf R, Rehkämper M, 2022, New methods for determination of the mass-independent and mass-dependent platinum isotope compositions of iron meteorites by MC-ICP-MS, Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry, Vol: 37, Pages: 783-794, ISSN: 0267-9477
Improved methods are presented for the separation of platinum from iron meteorites and subsequent analyses of both mass-independent and mass-dependent Pt isotope compositions of iron meteorites by multiple collector ICP-MS. The procedures are optimised for sample throughput and feature improvements in yield and the reduction of constituents that produce spectral interferences and matrix effects. The performance of the methods is demonstrated by replicate analyses of terrestrial reference materials and eight iron meteorites from the IC and IVB groups. The pilot iron meteorite analyses confirm previous work, which demonstrates that the Pt isotope compositions of iron meteorites are particularly sensitive to alteration by neutron capture reactions induced by exposure to galactic cosmic rays (GCR). It is shown that the mass-independent Pt isotope data obtained with the new methods are suitable for accurate correction of correlated cosmogenic isotope effects for other isotope systems in the same sample aliquots. The methods for the measurement of mass-dependent Pt isotope compositions (δ198Pt) employ a robust double spike approach. The accurate determination of δ198Pt values for iron meteorites requires, however, that possible cosmogenic isotope effects from GCR exposure are monitored and appropriately corrected on a sample aliquot specific basis. A robust approach for such corrections using the mass-independent Pt isotope data collected with the new methods is shown to provide accurate results for iron meteorites with variable compositions and GCR exposure histories. Initial results obtained for eight IC and IVB iron meteorites reveal both within- and between-group variations in δ198Pt values, which indicate that such analyses may provide novel constraints for studies of planetary processes.
Gomez-Gonzalez MA, Rehkamper M, Han Z, et al., 2022, ZnO Nanomaterials and Ionic Zn Partition within Wastewater Sludge Investigated by Isotopic Labeling, Global Challenges, Vol: 6, ISSN: 2056-6646
The increasing commercial use of engineered zinc oxide nanomaterials necessitates a thorough understanding of their behavior following their release into wastewater. Herein, the fates of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and ionic Zn in a real primary sludge collected from a municipal wastewater system are studied via stable isotope tracing at an environmentally relevant spiking concentration of 15.2 µg g−1. Due to rapid dissolution, nanoparticulate ZnO does not impart particle-specific effects, and the Zn ions from NP dissolution and ionic Zn display indistinguishable behavior as they partition equally between the solid, liquid, and ultrafiltrate phases of the sludge over a 4-h incubation period. This work provides important constraints on the behavior of engineered ZnO nanomaterials in primary sludge—the first barrier in a wastewater treatment plant—at low, realistic concentrations. As the calculated solid–liquid partition coefficients are significantly lower than those reported in prior studies that employ unreasonably high spiking concentrations, this work highlights the importance of using low, environmentally relevant doses of engineered nanomaterials in experiments to obtain accurate risk assessments.
Little SH, Wilson DJ, Rehkämper M, et al., 2021, Cold-water corals as archives of seawater Zn and Cu isotopes, Chemical Geology, Vol: 578, Pages: 1-20, ISSN: 0009-2541
Traditional carbonate sedimentary archives have proven challenging to exploit for Zn and Cu isotopes, due to the high concentrations of trace metals in potential contaminants (e.g., Fe-Mn coatings) and their low concentrations in carbonate. Here, we present the first dataset of δ66ZnJMC-Lyon and δ65CuSRM 976 values for cold-water corals and address their potential as a seawater archive. Extensive cleaning experiments carried out on two corals with well-developed Fe-Mn rich coatings demonstrate that thorough physical and chemical cleaning can effectively remove detrital and authigenic contaminants. Next, we present metal/Ca ratios and δ66Zn and δ65Cu values for a geographically diverse sample set of Holocene age cold-water corals. Comparing cold-water coral δ66Zn values to estimated ambient seawater δ66Zn values (where Δ66Zncoral-sw = δ66Zncoral – δ66Znseawater), we find Δ66Zncoral-sw = +0.03 ± 0.17‰ (1SD, n = 20). Hence, to a first order, cold-water corals record seawater Zn isotope compositions without fractionation. The average Holocene coral Cu isotope composition is +0.59 ± 0.23‰ (1SD, n = 15), similar to the mean of published deep seawater δ65Cu values at +0.66 ± 0.09‰, but with considerable variability. Finally, δ66Zn and δ65Cu data are presented for a small subset of four glacial-age corals. These values overlap with the respective Holocene coral datasets, hinting at limited glacial-interglacial changes in oceanic Zn and Cu cycling.
Sullivan KV, Moore RET, Capper MS, et al., 2021, Zinc stable isotope analysis reveals Zn dyshomeostasis in benign tumours, breast cancer, and adjacent histologically normal tissue, Matallomics, Vol: 13, Pages: 1-12, ISSN: 1756-591X
The disruption of Zn homeostasis has been linked with breast cancer development and progression. To enhance our understanding of changes in Zn homeostasis both inside and around the tumour microenvironment, Zn concentrations and isotopic compositions (δ66Zn) were determined in benign (BT) and malignant (MT) tumours, healthy tissue from reduction mammoplasty (HT), and histologically normal tissue adjacent to benign (NAT(BT)) and malignant tumours (NAT(MT)). Mean Zn concentrations in NAT(BT) are 5.5 µg g−1 greater than in NAT(MT) (p = 0.00056) and 5.1 µg g−1 greater than in HT (p = 0.0026). Zinc concentrations in MT are 12.9 µg g−1 greater than in HT (p = 0.00012) and 13.3 µg g−1 greater than in NAT(MT) (p < 0.0001), whereas δ66Zn is 0.17‰ lower in MT than HT (p = 0.017). Benign tumour Zn concentrations are also elevated compared to HT (p = 0.00013), but are not significantly elevated compared to NAT(BT) (p = 0.32). The δ66Zn of BT is 0.15‰ lower than in NAT(BT) (p = 0.045). The similar light δ66Zn of BT and MT compared to HT and NAT may be related to the isotopic compensation of increased metallothionein (64Zn-rich) expression by activated matrix metalloproteinase (66Zn-rich) in MT, and indicates a resultant 66Zn-rich reservoir may exist in patients with breast tumours. Zinc isotopic compositions thus show promise as a potential diagnostic tool for the detection of breast tumours. The revealed differences of Zn accumulation in healthy and tumour-adjacent tissues require additional investigation.
Schilling K, Moore RET, Sullivan KV, et al., 2021, Zinc stable isotopes in urine as diagnostic for cancer of secretory organs, Metallomics: integrated biometal science, Vol: 13, Pages: 1-10, ISSN: 1756-5901
Breast, prostate, and pancreatic cancers alter the zinc (Zn) metabolism. Combined analyses of urinary Zn concentrations [Zn] and Zn stable isotope compositions (δ66Zn) may provide a non-invasive approach for tracing malignancy-induced Zn dyshomeostasis. In this study, we measured [Zn] and δ66Zn in urine from prostate (n = 22), breast (n = 16), and from women with benign breast disease (n = 14) and compared those with age-matched healthy controls (22–49 years or 50+ years) and published data for pancreatic cancer (n = 17). Our results show that cancer-induced changes are reflected in higher urinary [Zn] and lower urinary δ66Zn for pancreatic and prostate cancer and benign breast disease when compared with healthy controls. For prostate cancer, the progression of low [Zn] and high δ66Zn for patients of low-risk disease toward high [Zn] and low δ66Zn for the higher risk patients demonstrates that [Zn] and δ66Zn in urine could serve as a reliable prognostic tool. Urinary excretion of isotopically light Zn by patients with prostatic and pancreatic cancer is probably the result of increased reactive oxygen species in cancerous cells, which limits the scavenging of hydroxyl radicals and thus facilitates the oxidation of metalloproteins with sulfur-rich ligands. Urine from breast cancer patients shows undistinguishable δ66Zn to healthy controls, implying that the expression of metalloproteins with sulfur-rich ligands is stronger in breast cancer tissues. In conclusion, urinary δ66Zn may provide a non-invasive diagnostic tool for pancreatic cancer and support disease prognosis for prostate cancer. These findings should translate to comprehensive transverse and longitudinal cohort studies in future.
Brett EKA, Prytulak J, Rehkämper M, et al., 2021, Thallium elemental and isotopic systematics in ocean island lavas, Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, Vol: 301, Pages: 187-210, ISSN: 0016-7037
The Earth’s mantle exhibits marked chemical heterogeneity. We provide an examination of thallium systematics in ocean island basalts (OIB): new high-precision trace element analyses, including Tl, and Tl isotopic compositions for 48 OIB spanning the entire range of observed Sr-Nd-Hf-Pb isotope ratios. All investigated OIB are characterised by ubiquitous Tl depletion requiring OIB mantle sources to have Tl concentrations as low as 0.2 ng/g, which is an order of magnitude lower than estimates for the primitive mantle and similar to Tl concentrations inferred for the depleted mantle. The low Tl concentrations inferred for OIB mantle sources are interpreted to reflect near quantitative removal of Tl during subduction and inefficient Tl recycling into the deeper mantle. If true, the Tl isotopic composition of surface materials may not be readily translated to the mantle sources of OIB.The new OIB dataset shows a >10 ε-unit range in primary isotopic variation, from ε205Tl = −6.4 to +6.6. However, the majority of samples (32 of 48) are within uncertainty of mantle values (ε205Tl = −2 ± 1), and show no co-variation with radiogenic isotopic composition. Notably, OIB with only minor Tl depletion (11 samples) have Tl isotopic compositions outside the mantle range. The Tl concentration contrast between the mantle and inputs such as sediments and altered basalt is so great that minor additions (<1% by mass) of high-Tl material will dominate the isotopic budget of a lava, with decoupling of Tl and radiogenic isotopic compositions as an expected result. Thallium isotopic compositions of OIB are therefore difficult to link directly to radiogenic isotope variations and the mantle components they may reflect. Indeed, if isotopically distinct Tl from altered oceanic crust and/or sediments were efficiently recycled into the mantle and sampled via OIB, more variation in the Tl isotopic composition of OIB would be expected than is ob
Capper MS, Rehkämper M, Packman H, 2020, Rhenium-based complexes and in vivo testing: A brief history, ChemBioChem, Vol: 21, Pages: 2111-2115, ISSN: 1439-4227
The success of metal‐based anticancer therapeutics in the treatment of cancer is best exemplified by cisplatin. Currently used in 32 / 78 cancer regimens, the use for metal‐based therapeutics has a clear role in cancer therapy. Despite this, metal‐based therapeutics are not without drawbacks, with issues such as toxic side effects and the development of resistance mechanisms. This has led to investigations of other metal‐based therapeutics such as auranofin, a gold‐based drug candidate as well as ruthenium‐based candidates, NAMI‐A, NKP‐1339 and TLD‐1433. All are undergoing current clinical trials. Another class of complexes under study are rhenium‐based; such complexes have undergone extensive in vitro testing but only seven have displayed antitumor in vivo activity which is a necessary step before entering clinical trials. This present review will document, chronologically, the rhenium‐based drug candidates that have undergone in vivo testing and the outlook for such complexes.
Griffiths A, Packman H, Leung YL, et al., 2020, Evaluation of optimized procedures for high-precision Pb isotope analyses of seawater by MC-ICP-MS, Analytical Chemistry, Vol: 92, Pages: 11232-11241, ISSN: 0003-2700
The application of Pb isotopes to marine geochemistry is currently hindered by challenges associated with the analysis of Pb isotopes in seawater. The current study evaluates the performance of MC-ICP-MS measurements of seawater Pb isotope compositions following Pb separation by either solid-phase extraction with Nobias Chelate PA-1 resin or co-precipitation with Mg(OH)2, and using either a Pb double-spike or external normalization to Tl for mass bias correction. The four analytical combinations achieve results of similar quality when measuring 1–7 ng of seawater Pb, with reproducibilities (2SD) of 100–1200 ppm for 206Pb/207Pb, 208Pb/207Pb and 300–1700 ppm for ratios involving the minor 204Pb isotope. All four procedures enable significantly improved sample throughout compared to an established TIMS double-spike method and produce unbiased seawater Pb isotope compositions with similar or improved precision. Nobias extraction is preferable to co-precipitation due to its greater analytical throughput and suitability for analyses of large seawater samples with high Si(OH)4 contents. The most accurate Pb isotope data are produced following Nobias extraction and double-spike correction as such analyses are least susceptible to matrix effects. However, Nobias extraction with Tl-normalization constitutes an attractive alternative as, unlike the double-spike procedure, only a single mass spectrometric measurement is required, which improves analytical throughput and optimizes Pb consumption for analysis. Despite the advantages of solid-phase extraction, co-precipitation represents a useful Pb separation technique for samples with low to moderate Si contents as it is inexpensive, simple to implement and the data are only marginally less accurate, especially when combined with a Pb double-spike for mass bias correction.
Sullivan K, Moore RET, Rehkämper M, et al., 2020, Postprandial zinc stable isotope response in human blood serum, Metallomics, ISSN: 1756-5901
In recent years, considerable advances have been made in the field of medical isotope metallomics, but numerous fundamental physiological processes remain to be investigated. Past studies report that blood serum Zn concentration decrease by about 20%, depending on the size of meal, approximately 3 hours postprandially (i.e. after eating), before returning to baseline values if no meals are consumed over the following 4 to 5 hours. Nine participants were recruited for this study to investigate whether this postprandial Zn concentration decrease is accompanied by a stable isotope response. A baseline serum sample was collected from participants in the morning after overnight fasting. A 576 kcal meal was then provided and additional serum samples were taken 90 and 180 minutes post-meal to coincide with the peak postprandial response. Serum Zn concentrations decreased postprandially by an average of 21 ± 9% (1SD), but this was not accompanied by a change in stable Zn isotope composition (mean Δ66Zn180-minute – Baseline = 0.01 ± 0.09‰, 2SD). We propose that hemodilution and the rapid, efficient postprandial transfer of albumin-bound Zn from serum to the liver and pancreas is responsible for the lack of postprandial serum Zn isotopic response. These results indicate that studies examining solely the distribution of Zn isotopes in serum may obtain samples without considering timing of the most recent meal. However, future studies seeking to compare serum Zn concentrations with δ66Zn values should draw blood samples in the morning after overnight fasting.
Moore R, Ullah I, de Oliveira VH, et al., 2020, Cadmium isotope fractionation reveals genetic variation in Cd uptake and translocation by Theobroma cacao and role of natural resistance-associated macrophage protein 5 and heavy metal ATPase-family transporters, Horticulture Research, Vol: 7, ISSN: 2052-7276
In response to new European Union regulations, studies are underway to mitigate accumulation of toxic cadmium (Cd) in cacao (Theobroma cacao, Tc). This study advances such research with Cd isotope analyses of 19 genetically diverse cacao clones and yeast transformed to express cacao natural resistance-associated macrophage protein (NRAMP5) and heavy metal ATPases (HMAs). The plants were enriched in light Cd isotopes relative to the hydroponic solution with Δ114/110Cdtot-sol = −0.22 ± 0.08‰. Leaves show a systematic enrichment of isotopically heavy Cd relative to total plants, in accord with closed-system isotope fractionation of Δ114/110Cdseq-mob = −0.13‰, by sequestering isotopically light Cd in roots/stems and mobilisation of remaining Cd to leaves. The findings demonstrate that (i) transfer of Cd between roots and leaves is primarily unidirectional; (ii) different clones utilise similar pathways for Cd sequestration, which differ from those of other studied plants; (iii) clones differ in their efficiency of Cd sequestration. Transgenic yeast that expresses TcNRAMP5 (T. cacao natural resistance-associated macrophage gene) had isotopically lighter Cd than did cacao. This suggests that NRAMP5 transporters constitute an important pathway for uptake of Cd by cacao. Cd isotope signatures of transgenic yeast expressing HMA-family proteins suggest that they may contribute to Cd sequestration. The data are the first to record isotope fractionation induced by transporter proteins in vivo.
Barraza F, Moore R, Rehkamper M, et al., 2019, Cadmium isotope fractionation in soil-cacao systems of Ecuador: a pilot field study, RSC Advances: an international journal to further the chemical sciences, Vol: 9, Pages: 34011-34022, ISSN: 2046-2069
The often high Cd concentrations of cacao beans are a serious concern for producers in Latin America due to the implementation of stricter Cd limits for cocoa products by the European Union in 2019. This is the first investigation to employ coupled Cd isotope and concentration measurements to study soil – cacao systems. Analyses were carried out for 29 samples of soils, soil amendments and cacao tree organs from organic farms in Ecuador that harvest three distinct cacao cultivars. The majority of soils from 0–80 cm depth have very similar δ114/110Cd of about −0.1‰ to 0‰. Two 0–5 cm topsoils, however, have high Cd concentrations coupled with heavy Cd isotope compositions of δ114/110Cd ≈ 0.2%, possibly indicating Cd additions from the tree litter used as organic fertilizer. Whilst cacao leaves, pods and beans are ubiquitously enriched in Cd relative to soils there are distinct Cd isotope signatures. The leaves and pods are isotopically heavier than the soils, with similar Δ114/110Cdleaf–soil values of 0.22 ± 0.07‰ to 0.41 ± 0.09‰. In contrast, the data reveal differences in Δ114/110Cdbean–leaf that may be linked to distinct cacao cultivars. In detail, Δ114/110Cdbean–leaf values of −0.34‰ to −0.40‰ were obtained for Nacional cacao from two farms, whilst CCN-51 hybrid cacao from a third farm showed no fractionation within error (−0.08 ± 0.13‰). As such, further work to investigate whether Cd isotopes are indeed useful for tracing sources of Cd enrichments in soils and to inform genetic efforts to reduce the Cd burden of cocoa is indicated.
Xie RC, Rehkamper M, Grasse P, et al., 2019, Isotopic evidence for complex biogeochemical cycling of Cd in the eastern tropical South Pacific (vol 512, 134, 2019), EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCE LETTERS, Vol: 524, ISSN: 0012-821X
Zhang P, Misra S, Guo Z, et al., 2019, Stable isotope labelling of metal/metal oxide nanomaterials for environmental and biological tracing, Nature Protocols, Vol: 14, Pages: 2878-2899, ISSN: 1750-2799
Engineered nanomaterials are often compositionally indistinguishable from their natural counterparts and thus their tracking in the environment or within biota requires the development of appropriate labelling tools. Stable isotope labelling has become a well-established such tool, developed to assign “ownership” or “source” to engineered nanomaterial enabling their tracing and quantification, especially in complex environments. A particular methodological challenge for the stable isotope labelling is to ensure the label is traceable in a range of environmental scenarios but without inducing modification of the properties of the nanoamaterial and without loss of signal from the label, thus retaining realism and relevance. This protocol describes the strategy for stable isotope labelling of several widely used metal and metal oxide nanomaterials, namely ZnO, CuO, Ag, and TiO2, using isotopically enriched precursors, namely 67Zn or 68Zn metal, 65CuCl2, 107Ag or 109Ag metal, and 47 TiO2 powder. A complete synthesis requires 1 to 8 days depending on the type of nanomaterial, the precursors used and the synthesis methods adopted. The physicochemical properties of the labeled particles are determined by optical, diffraction and spectroscopic techniques for quality control. The procedures for tracing the labels in aquatic (snail and mussel) and terrestrial (earthworm) organisms and monitoring the environmental transformation of labelled silver nanomaterials are also described. We anticipate this labelling strategy can be adopted by industry to facilitate applications such as nanosafety assessments before nanomaterials enter the market and environment as well as product authentication and tracking.
Rehkamper M, Moore R, Maret W, et al., 2019, Assessment of coupled Zn concentration and natural stable isotope analyses of urine as a novel probe of Zn status, Metallomics, Vol: 11, Pages: 1506-1517, ISSN: 1756-5901
Zinc is a common trace metal in the human body, present in about 10% of proteins. Despite numerous roles of Zn in health and disease, there is still a need for a robust biomarker of Zn status. Many parameters have been proposed, with varying levels of success, with plasma Zn often favoured. This study investigates if Zn status can be assessed from the natural stable Zn isotope composition of urine. To this end, 60 urine samples were analysed from ten healthy participants. Remarkably, samples with lower Zn concentrations are systematically enriched in heavy Zn isotopes. Most of the low-Zn urine originated from individuals who omitted dairy, meat or both from their diets. When data for blood serum from age-matched, healthy individuals are compared with the urine results, the former plot at the extension of the urine trend at higher Zn concentrations and lighter isotope compositions. The observed co-variation of Zn isotope compositions with concentrations is indicative of an isotope fractionation system where both properties are controlled by the same processes. It is interpreted as arising from filtration and/or reabsorption processes within the kidney, which are associated with absorbed dietary Zn. The data suggest that the Zn in blood serum that is bound to low molecular weight molecules has an isotope composition distinct from total serum, due to the different affinities of molecular Zn-binding residues to heavy and light Zn isotopes. This technique provides additional information into an individual's Zn status compared to urine or plasma Zn levels alone.
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