172-2 Isotopes and statistics for pollution source tracing: Tips for forward-thinking research

Session: Environmental Geochemistry and Health (Part II)

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Abstract:

Tracing pollutant sources in the environment has regulatory relevance, human and ecological health relevance, and importance in the broader realm of understanding contaminant fate and transport across different environmental domains. Over the years, advancements in analytical instrumentation and computer programming have enabled increasingly sophisticated geochemical and statistical techniques for differentiating pollution sources in the environment. However, these advanced applications are not always properly utilized for pollutant source tracing, nor fully taken advantage of to their full capabilities. Case studies showcasing the utility of metal stable isotope data used in conjunction with Bayesian statistics to differentiate sources and quantity relative contributions of these sources will be provided. Examples will include examination of lake sediment cores, road sediment, house dust, soils, lichens, human blood, and groundwater samples to differentiate between pollution sources such as leaded gasoline, lead paint, coal combustion residuals, and steel plant particulate matter through statistics and isotopes of lead, boron, and/or strontium. Advantages and disadvantages of these techniques will be presented, with an eye towards advancing the field of environmental geochemistry and environmental health to appropriately utilize Bayesian statistical techniques, stable isotope systems, and supplemental analytical techniques such as microscopy. The ultimate goal is to provide a helpful roadmap for researchers and practitioners to better utilize and understand the utility of geochemistry and statistics to address important questions on contaminant sourcing. This in turn can help improve the efficiency of pollution remediation and source reduction to help better protect human health and the environment.

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