Isotopic methods give clues about the origins of trace metals and organic pollutants in the environment

Recent advances in techniques and methodologies in analytical chemistry help to address problems of environmental contamination. This is particularly true for isotope determinations of metals using multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MS) and on-line coupling of capillary gas chromatography and isotope-ratio MS, or compound-specific stable isotope analysis.We explore the methodologies and applications using the isotope signatures of inorganic or organic contaminants, which offer good potential for distinguishing potential sources within contamination plumes and possibly even estimating different source inputs at the catchment scale. Moreover, for organic pollutants, such methods provide unique information for deciphering their origin and studying degradation processes.

► Advances in analytical chemistry methodologies address pollution.
► Isotope signatures provide valuable information to decipher the origin of pollutants.
► Isotope signatures provide valuable information to study degradation processes.
► We review of isotope methodologies and applications for studying pollution.