Experimental evidence shows no fractionation of strontium isotopes ((87)Sr/(86)Sr) among soil, plants, and herbivores: implications for tracking wildlife and forensic science.

Strontium isotopes ((87)Sr/(86)Sr) can be useful biological markers for a wide range of forensic science applications, including wildlife tracking. However, one of the main advantages of using (87)Sr/(86)Sr values, that there is no fractionation from geological bedrock sources through the food web, also happens to be a critical assumption that has never been tested experimentally. We test this assumption by measuring (87)Sr/(86)Sr values across three trophic levels in a controlled greenhouse experiment. Adult monarch butterflies were raised on obligate larval host milkweed plants that were, in turn, grown on seven different soil types collected across Canada. We found no significant differences between (87)Sr/(86)Sr values in leachable Sr from soil minerals, organic soil, milkweed leaves, and monarch butterfly wings. Our results suggest that strontium isoscapes developed from (87)Sr/(86)Sr values in bedrock or soil may serve as a reliable biological marker in forensic science for a range of taxa and across large geographic areas.

Geographic variation of strontium and hydrogen isotopes in avian tissue: implications for tracking migration and dispersal.

BACKGROUND: Isotopes can provide unique solutions to fundamental problems related to the ecology and evolution of migration and dispersal because prior movements of individuals can theoretically be tracked from tissues collected from a single capture. However, there is still remarkably little information available about how and why isotopes vary in wild animal tissues, especially over large spatial scales. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Here, we describe variation in both stable-hydrogen (deltaD(F)) and strontium ((87)Sr/(86)Sr(F)) isotopic compositions in the feathers of a migratory songbird, the Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor), across 18 sampling sites in North America and then examine potential mechanisms driving this variation. We found that deltaD(F) was correlated with latitude of the sampling site, whereas (87)Sr/(86)Sr(F) was correlated with longitude. deltaD(F) was related to deltaD of meteoric waters where molting occurred and (87)Sr/(86)Sr(F) was influenced primarily by the geology in the area where feathers were grown. Using simulation models, we then assessed the utility of combining both markers to estimate the origin of individuals. Using 13 geographic regions, we found that the number of individuals correctly assigned to their site of origin increased from less than 40% using either deltaD or (87)Sr/(86)Sr alone to 74% using both isotopes. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Our results suggest that these isotopes have the potential to provide predictable and complementary markers for estimating long-distance animal movements. Combining isotopes influenced by different global-scale processes may allow researchers to link the population dynamics of animals across large geographic ranges.

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry with on-line leaching: a method to assess the mobility and fractionation of elements.

A new technique has been developed to assess the mobility and site of specific elements in complex natural materials such as rocks. Concentration profiles during leaching were obtained by pumping reagents (water, 1% HNO3, 10% HNO3, 30% HNO3), either continuously or with flow injection, through a microcolumn of sample while continuously monitoring analyte signals by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS). Compared to batch extraction procedures normally used, the approach involves minimal sample preparation and reduced contamination since the leaching is performed in a closed system. Continuous on-line monitoring also allows a greater resolution of the various phases reacting with given reagent. Compared to continuous leaching, flow injection increased the resolution of the various phases using discrete injections of reagents while reducing reagent consumption and minimizing etching of the MS interface. Furthermore, sensitivity was preserved by injecting into air instead of an aqueous carrier. Whether in the continuous or flow injection modes, the proposed approach provides real-time data on what phases are breaking down and what metals are released. It can therefore be used to design effective leaching strategies and to trace isotopic compositions. However, the resulting spectra are complex and the correct determination of some elements requires high-resolution ICPMS.