Major and trace element distributions around active volcanic vents determined by analyses of grasses: implications for element cycling and bio-monitoring

Martin, R. S. and Mather, T. A. and Pyle, D. M. and Day, J. A. and Witt, M. L. I. and Collins, S. J. and Hilton, R. G. (2010) Major and trace element distributions around active volcanic vents determined by analyses of grasses: implications for element cycling and bio-monitoring. Bulletin of Volcanology, 72 (8). pp. 1009-1020. DOI 10.1007/s00445-010-0374-7

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Abstract

Samples of grass were collected at Masaya Volcano (Nicaragua; Rhynchelytrum repens and Andropogon angustatus) and the Piton de La Fournaise (around the April 2007 eruptive vent, La Réunion; Vetiveria zizanioides) to investigate the controls on major and trace element concentrations in plants around active volcanic vents. Samples were analysed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for a wide range of elements, and atomic absorption spectroscopy for Hg. At Masaya, As, Cu, Mo, Tl and K concentrations in both grass species showed a simple pattern of variability consistent with exposure to the volcanic plume. Similar variability was found in A. angustatus for Al, Co, Cs, Hg and Mg. At the Piton de La Fournaise, the patterns of variability in V. zizanioides were more complex and related to variable exposures to emissions from both the active vent and lava flow. These results suggest that exposure to volcanic emissions is, for many elements, the main control on compositional variability in vegetation growing on active volcanoes. Thus, vegetation may be an important environmental reservoir for elements emitted by volcanoes and should be considered as part of the global biogeochemical cycles.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	2010AREP; IA61;
Subjects:	02 - Geodynamics, Geophysics and Tectonics
Divisions:	02 - Geodynamics, Geophysics and Tectonics
Journal or Publication Title:	Bulletin of Volcanology
Volume:	72
Page Range:	pp. 1009-1020
Identification Number:	10.1007/s00445-010-0374-7
Depositing User:	Sarah Humbert
Date Deposited:	09 Oct 2010 11:48
Last Modified:	23 Jul 2013 10:00
URI:	http://eprints.esc.cam.ac.uk/id/eprint/1948

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