Systematics of the main radiogenic isotope systems. Radiogenic isotopes as tracers for food provenance. Radiogenic isotopes in forensic studies. Pb isotopes and environmental pollution. U-series isotopes as tracers for radioactive pollution.
The aim of the course is to provide the students with the knowledge of the main radiogenic isotope systems and of their application in various environmental studies. The student will acquire the appropriate skills to evaluate the relationships between geological process and environment through the information arising from the isotopic ratios
Prerequisites
basic knowledge of chemistry and geochemistry
Teaching Methods
Lectures in class, practical exercise with specific softwares, laboratory activity at the Laboratory of Geochemistry of radiogenic Isotopes.
Type of Assessment
The oral examination is aimed at determining the learning by the student of the knowledge provided during the course. The student will be required to present and discuss a scientific article in English related to one or more topics covered during the course, and to answer some questions about the program. The student’s ability to critically discuss and connect the topics of the course will also be evaluated
Course program
Physics of the nucleous: laws of radioactive decay. Common isotopic systematics used in Environmental geology (Rb-Sr, Sm-Nd, U-Th-Pb). Outlines on the theory of errors. The thermal and plasma-ionisation mass spectrometers; radiogenic isotopes and environmental geology: linking the geological substrate with the environment; Sr isotopes as tracers in environmental studies; Radiogenic isotopes as tracers for food provenance. Radiogenic isotopes in forensic studies; Pb isotopes and environmental pollution; Anthropogenic Pb; Pb as an oceanographic tracer; U-series isotopes as tracers for radioactive hazard and pollution; example of applications in environmental studies.