The sequestration of trace metals preserved in pyritized burrows

Pyritized burrows from three localities were analysed using LA-ICP-MS to determine their trace element content and assess their ability to sequester trace elements. Pyritic burrows from Hock Cliff (Jurassic), Wren's Nest (Silurian) and Southerham Grey Pit (Cretaceous) have anomalous levels of S...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Sedimentary geology 2021-07, Vol.421, p.105959, Article 105959
Main Authors: Brolly, Connor, Parnell, John, Wang, Xueying
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Bioturbation
Burrows
Pyrite
Selenium
Sequestration
Trace elements
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Summary:Pyritized burrows from three localities were analysed using LA-ICP-MS to determine their trace element content and assess their ability to sequester trace elements. Pyritic burrows from Hock Cliff (Jurassic), Wren's Nest (Silurian) and Southerham Grey Pit (Cretaceous) have anomalous levels of Se, Cu and Pb and are enriched relative to their host sediments. Sequestration rates were calculated using sedimentation rates from similar depositional environments. Results show that pyritic burrows, mediated by bacterial sulphate reduction, can sequester Se, Cu and Pb up to 3 orders of magnitude greater than the rate of Fe–Mn crusts, which are considered rich sources of trace elements, demonstrating that bioturbated marine sediments are significant sinks of trace elements. •Trace elements (TE) are concentrated into burrows in marine sediments.•Burrowing increases the amount of organic matter (OM) in the burrow.•Increased OM drives bacterial sulphate reduction and metal sequestration.•Bioturbated sediments show anomalous levels of TE preserved in pyritized burrows.•Elements are sequestered at greater rates than in Fe–Mn crusts.
ISSN:0037-0738
1879-0968
DOI:10.1016/j.sedgeo.2021.105959