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Isotopic methods for identifying the origin of metal and organic pollutants in the environment: State of the art and critical approach for implementation

Summary

The exploration of isotopic methods for identifying pollutants in environments (water, soil, air) has really taken off in recent years. The aim of this work was therefore to give a current overview of the research carried out and promoted by the scientific community into the use of the isotopic approach in the characterisation of organic and metallic pollution, particularly with regard to the possibilities for identifying the origin of pollutants. After an overview of isotopic methods, the report presents an exhaustive bibliographical analysis of the principles of application to metallic, mineral and organic elements. The study then presents concrete examples of the use of these methods to identify the origins of pollution and discusses the limits of their application.

Keywords: isotopes, polluants, métaux, composés organiques, environnement, origine, isotopes, pollutants, metals, organic compounds, environment, origin

Publication date: October 2011

Achievement: BRGM

Reference: 09-0138/1A


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