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Effects of bedrock on the chemical and Sr isotopic compositions of plants

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Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between the chemical and isotopic compositions of plants and the lithology of their growth location. This relationship is one of the principles underlying the geographical discrimination used for agricultural, forestry, and food products. Locations in South Korea with solely basaltic (Jeju), granitic (Gongju), and carbonate (Yeongwol) rocks were selected as test sites, and bedrocks, soils, and plants in each location were sampled. The multi-element compositions and Sr isotope ratios (87Sr/86Sr) were analyzed for all samples, including various soil fractions (exchangeable, carbonates, silicates) and plant parts (tree leaves, vegetable leaves, and fruits). Based on a preliminary statistical analysis (ANOVA), Ca, Mg, K, Al, Sr concentrations, and 87Sr/86Sr ratios were selected as key variables with greater variability with location. Using these variables, a multivariate statistical analysis was conducted, and three soil fractions and plant parts were successfully discriminated according to their geographical origin (i.e., bedrock type) with statistical significance. The results indicated that Sr isotope ratios of bedrocks can be preserved in soils (except in silicate fractions) and plants throughout weathering and plant physiological processes, and are the most critical variable in the tracing of bedrock characteristics.

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Acknowledgments

This study was supported by a national agenda program (NAP) of the Korea Research Council of Fundamental Science & Technology and by a KBSI grant (C34701).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Graduate School of Analytical Science and Technology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 305-764, Republic of Korea

    Byeong-Yeol Song & Kwang-Sik Lee

  2. Division of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Korea Basic Science Institute, Chungbuk, 363-883, Republic of Korea

    Byeong-Yeol Song, Mukesh Kumar Gautam, Jong-Sik Ryu, Dongho Lee & Kwang-Sik Lee

  3. Chemical Analysis Division, National Forensic Service, Wonju, 220-170, Republic of Korea

    Byeong-Yeol Song

Authors
  1. Byeong-Yeol Song
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  2. Mukesh Kumar Gautam
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  3. Jong-Sik Ryu
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  4. Dongho Lee
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  5. Kwang-Sik Lee
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Correspondence to Dongho Lee or Kwang-Sik Lee.

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Song, BY., Gautam, M.K., Ryu, JS. et al. Effects of bedrock on the chemical and Sr isotopic compositions of plants. Environ Earth Sci 74, 829–837 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-015-4087-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-015-4087-2

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