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A review of present techniques and methodological advances in analyzing 234Th in aquatic systems
van der Loeff, M.M.R.; Sarin, M.M.; Baskaran, M.; Benitez-Nelson, C.R.; Buesseler, K.O.; Charette, M.; Dai, M.; Gustafsson, Ö.; Masque, P.; Morris, P.J.; Orlandini, K.; Rodriguez y Baena, A.; Savoye, N.; Schmidt, S.; Turnewitsch, R.; Vöge, I.; Waples, J.T. (2006). A review of present techniques and methodological advances in analyzing 234Th in aquatic systems. Mar. Chem. 100(3-4): 190-212. dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.marchem.2005.10.012
In: Marine Chemistry. Elsevier: Amsterdam. ISSN 0304-4203; e-ISSN 1872-7581
Peer reviewed article  

Available in  Authors 
    Vlaams Instituut voor de Zee: Open Marine Archive 103932 [ download pdf ]

Keyword
    Marine/Coastal
Author keywords
    234<; sup>Th; methodology; sampling; analytical techniques; export

Authors  Top 
  • van der Loeff, M.M.R.
  • Sarin, M.M.
  • Baskaran, M.
  • Benitez-Nelson, C.R.
  • Buesseler, K.O.
  • Charette, M.
  • Dai, M.
  • Gustafsson, Ö.
  • Masque, P.
  • Morris, P.J.
  • Orlandini, K.
  • Rodriguez y Baena, A.
  • Savoye, N.
  • Schmidt, S.
  • Turnewitsch, R.
  • Vöge, I.
  • Waples, J.T.

Abstract
    The short-lived thorium isotope 234Th (half-life 24.1 days) has been used as a tracer for a variety of transport processes in aquatic systems. Its use as a tracer of oceanic export via sinking particles has stimulated a rapidly increasing number of studies that require analyses of 234Th in both marine and freshwater systems. The original 234Th method is labor intensive. Thus, there has been a quest for simpler techniques that require smaller sample volumes. Here, we review current methodologies in the collection and analysis of 234Th from the water column, discuss their individual strengths and weaknesses, and provide an outlook on possible further improvements and future challenges. Also included in this review are recommendations on calibration procedures and the production of standard reference materials as well as a flow chart designed to help researchers find the most appropriate 234Th analytical technique for a specific aquatic regime and known sampling constraints.

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