Stable Sulfur and Oxygen Isotope Compositions of Sulfates to Disentangle Agrocontaminants from Other Sources of Sulfur in Agrosystems

Abstract

This chapter summarizes key information about the sulfur cycle and stable sulfur isotope biogeochemistry. The overview includes a description of the range of the stable sulfur isotope compositions in natural environments, potential pollutants and fertilizers used in agriculture. The primary focus is on the generation, transport, and mixing of sulfate and on its stable sulfur and oxygen isotope compositions that can be used as tracers. Several case studies that apply stable sulfate isotope analyses for the identification and quantification of pollutants in natural environments are used to provide an overview of successful applications and highlight major challenges. These are followed by the principles of sulfate sampling and analytical techniques.