Interpreting fluxes of dissolved elements, especially trace metals, transported by rivers requires a precise knowledge of their numerous potential sources, both natural or anthropogenic. Identifying and quantifying the impact of these sources at various scales helps understanding fluviatil systems and, in fine, helps improving watershed management.
A recent collaboration with the University of Tours and the Loire-Bretagne Water Agency in France focused on characterizing the geochemical background of the Loire River (France). To fulfill this objective we coupled elemental concentrations and isotope ratios of Pb and Sr in the sediments, bedrock, dissolved phase and in suspended particles.