Metal Isotopes
Isotopic Tracing of Sources and Cycling of Hazardous Metal Mixtures
Project 2 of the Columbia Northern Plains Superfund Research Program will develop the spatial and temporal distribution of uranium and selenium isotope ratios or “isoscapes,” from private groundwater wells, which will reveal the sources and mechanisms of hazardous metal cycling in the aquifers, and the evolution of existing uranium and selenium plumes. This study will also develop the use of isotope ratios as novel biomarkers of uranium and selenium exposure in humans linked to an environmental source. Our results will reduce risk from contamination, support monitoring and management of contaminated aquifers, and identify exposures using a non-invasive diagnostic tool for Native Americans.