| Issue |
J. Phys. IV France
Volume 12, Number 10, November 2002
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|---|---|---|
| Page(s) | 125 - 141 | |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1051/jp4:20020456 | |
J. Phys. IV France 12 (2002) Pr10-125
DOI: 10.1051/jp4:20020456
The role and fate of trace elements in the environment
C. Barbante1, 2 and W. Cairns21 Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Venice, Ca' Foscari, Dorsoduro 2 137, 30123 Venice, Italy
2 Institute for the Dynamics of Environmental Processes-CNR, University of Venice, Ca' Foscari, Dorsoduro 2137, 30123 Venice, Italy
Abstract
Trace elements are ubiquitous throughout the environment, some are essential for life (e.g. Fe), others
are micronutrients (e.g. Se) and others are considered as toxic elements (e.g. As). Levels of these elements in the
environment are determined by the local geochemistry and anthropogenic emissions, with implications for human
and environmental health. As well as having an effect on land, trace element concentrations can have an effect on
oceanic productivity, and are implicated as a factor in climate change. The study of levels of these elements in
remote regions and in ice cores has allowed us to begin to understand their biogeochemistry and their effect on a
global and climatic scale. However, without advances in clean working techniques and the quantum leaps in
instrument sensitivity that have occurred over the last 2-3 decades, none of these studies would have been possible.
© EDP Sciences 2002