The Sm-Nd isotopic method in the geochronology laboratory of the University of Brasília

Nd isotopes represent one of the best tools to investigate the processes involved in the evolution of the continental crust and mantle. This is due mainly to the similar geochemical behaviour of Sm and Nd, both light rare earth elements, which inhibits their fractionation during most varied geological processes. In order to carry out crustal evolution studies in central Brazil, the Sm-Nd isotopic method was implanted at the Geochronology Laboratory of the University of Brasília. The Sm-Nd separation methodology is basically that described in Richard et al. (1976), with the addition of some improvements. In this study we describe in detail the methodology used in Brasília. Precision and accuracy were checked with the international standards such as JB-3, BCR-1, BHVO-1 and La Jolla, and the following results were found: JB-3 (Nd=15.74 ppm and Sm=4.28 ppm), BCR-1 (143Nd/144Nd=0.512647±8, Nd=28.73 ppm and Sm=6.66 ppm), BHVO-1 (Nd=24.83 ppm and Sm=6.2 ppm) and La Jolla (143Nd/144Nd=0.511835±14)

Distribution and isotopic composition of lead in bottom sediments from the hydrographic system of Belém, Pará (western margin of Guajará Bay and Carnapijó River)

ABSTRACT: This study first aimed to evaluate the effect of human activities on the distribution of lead within the estuarine system of Belém, Pará. This was achieved by studying the concentration and isotopic signature of Pb in bottom sediments from the western margin of Guajará Bay and from Carnapijó River, an area removed from the influence of the city of Belém. Secondly, the contribution of suspended matter in the transportation of anthropogenic Pb in Guajará Bay was evaluated. Third, the content and background isotopic signature of Pb in the hydrographic system of Belém was determined. Isotopic signatures of sediments from the western margin of Guajará Bay confirm an anthropogenic contribution of Pb throughout the entire bay. The Pb accumulation process has become more efficient over the last 10 years, and this can be attributed to the rapid population growth of Belém city. Sediments in Carnapijó River are not affected by human activities, and the average concentration values (Pb = 19.6 ± 3.7 mg kg-1) and isotopic signatures (206Pb/207Pb = 1.196 ± 0.004) confirm the background Pb values previously proposed for the river system in the Belém region. The isotopic signatures of suspended matter on the eastern (206Pb/207Pb = 1.188) and western (206Pb/207Pb = 1.174) margins of Guajará Bay show that suspended matter is an efficient Pb transportation mechanism of domestic and industrial wastewater from Belém to the western margin of the Bay due to tidal effects at the confluence with Guamá River