Metal Isotope Group

Our primary research focus is on stable and radiogenic isotope systems of selected metals, and their application to solve problems relevant to earth system evolution studies, geochronology, metallogenesis and environmental issues.

Specifically, we are interested in radiogenic isotope systems of heavy metals (Nd, Pb), and stable isotope systems of alkaline earth metals (Ca, Sr, Mg) and redox-sensitive elements (Cr, Cu, Zn).

The MIG group also investigates novel analytical approaches such as collision cell mass spectrometry. We use this for in-situ dating of selected low-temperature minerals such as glauconite and illite, based on laser-ablation analysis of Rb-Sr and K-Ca isotope systems via plasma mass spectrometry.

Environmental applications

• Novel isotope tracing of nutrients and waters in the Coorong lagoon system, South Australia - This project uses traditional (N, C, H, O) and new (Ca, Sr and Ba) isotope tracers to better constrain the external sources and internal cycling of key nutrients, salts and the provenance of local waters in the Coorong Lagoon system. Project Team: Prof. Luke Mosley, Dr. Juraj Farkas, Dr. Jon Tyler, Dr. Stacey Priestley  
  Funded by: Commonwealth and SA Governments, and facilitated via the Goyder Institute and HCHB Action Plan, Environment SA Project Coorong
• Effects of bushfires on the estuarine systems of Kangaroo Island - This project will use selected novel metal isotope tracers to better understand the sources and pathways of heavy metals released during recent bushfires into local soils, streams and estuaries around Kangaroo Island, and their net effects on water quality and marine ecosystem health and fish populations. Specifically, we will use chromium (Cr) and copper (Cu) isotopes to trace toxic metal contaminants sourced from burnt vegetation and CCA (Copper Chrome Arsenate) treated timber; and strontium isotopes (Sr) will be used to quantify local weathering rates and input fluxes of solutes from the land to coastal/estuarine systems. The above geochemical/isotope studies will be complemented by remote sensing imagery to identify the extent and distribution of turbidity/ash plumes on the near-shore estuarine habitats. Project Team: Prof. Bronwyn Gillanders, Prof. Megan Lewis, Dr. Juraj Farkas, Dr. Patrick Reis-Santos, Dr. Judith Giraldo, Dr. Boon Law
  Funded by: Department of Environment and Water (DEW) via the Coastal Research & Development Grant Scheme. 
• Chromium isotope systematics in modern marine environments. Funded by: Environment Institute, Czech Science Foundation

Earth system evolution studies

• Glauconites as novel and directly datable archives of palaeo-seawater evolution across the Ediacaran/Cambrian transition with implications for the timing and environmental triggers of the Cambrian Radiation bio-event. A new ARC Discovery Project (2021-2023) 
• Isotope evolution of Phanerozoic seawater based on metal isotope analysis of modern and fossil brachiopods.
  Funded by: Base-LiNE Earth project - European Commission, Marie Currie ITN project
• Metal isotope chemostratigraphy (Cr, Ca, Mg) and in-situ dating (Rb-Sr, K-Ca) of Proterozoic depositional systems in Australia, including:
  • Greater McArthur Basin - funded by ARC Linkage Project
  • Amadeus and Warburton Basins - funded with Northern Territory Geological Survey and Santos support
  • Paleozoic depositional systems in Europe (Prague Basin and Gotland) - funded via Czech Science Foundation