EarthRef.org Reference Database (ERR)
Development and Maintenance by the EarthRef.org Database Team

Detailed Reference Information
Bailey & Lear 2006
Bailey, T.R. and Lear, C.H. (2006). Testing the effect of carbonate saturation on the Sr/Ca of biogenic aragonite: A case study from the River Ehen, Cumbria, UK. Geochemistry Geophysics Geosystems 7: doi: 10.1029/2005GC001084. issn: 1525-2027.

It has been suggested that the incorporation of strontium into biogenic aragonite may be influenced by the degree of carbonate saturation in aquatic environments. We measured the Sr/Ca ratios of river water and the aragonitic shells of freshwater bivalves (Margaritifera margaritifera) from two sites with different carbonate saturation states in the River Ehen, Cumbria, UK. Shell Sr/Ca and river water Sr/Ca are 0.1 mmol/mol and 0.42 mmol/mol lower, respectively, at the high carbonate saturation site. However, the distribution coefficients of strontium into aragonite (KD) are the same (~0.28) at both sites. These analyses show that Sr uptake into aragonite bivalve shells is not affected by the degree of carbonate saturation of the water, perhaps reflecting a strong biological control on trace element incorporation.

BACKGROUND DATA FILES

Abstract

Keywords
Geochemistry, Organic and biogenic geochemistry, Paleoceanography, Geochemical tracers
Journal
Geochemistry Geophysics Geosystems
Publisher
American Geophysical Union
2000 Florida Avenue N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20009-1277
USA
1-202-462-6900
1-202-328-0566
service@agu.org
Click to clear formClick to return to previous pageClick to submit