Preparation of Authigenic Pyrite from Methane-bearing Sediments for In Situ Sulfur Isotope Analysis Using SIMS

作者： Zhiyong Lin1,3, Xiaoming Sun1,2,3,4, Jörn Peckmann5, Yang Lu2,3, Harald Strauss6, Li Xu2,3, Hongfeng Lu7, Barbara M.A. Teichert6 1School of Earth Sciences and Engineering,Sun Yat-sen University, 2School of Marine Sciences,Sun Yat-sen University, 3Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, 4South China Sea Bio-Resource Exploitation and Utilization Collaborative Innovation Center, 5Institut für Geologie,Universität Hamburg, 6Institut für Geologie und Paläontologie,Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, 7Guangzhou Marine Geological Survey

简介：

Overview

This study utilizes secondary ion mass spectroscopy to analyze the sulfur isotopic compositions of various pyrite generations in methane-bearing sediments. The aim is to elucidate the diagenetic history of pyritization and the biogeochemical processes involved.

Key Study Components

Area of Science

• Geochemistry
• Biogeochemistry
• Isotope Geology

Background

• Pyrite is a significant mineral in sedimentary environments.
• Understanding its isotopic composition can reveal past environmental conditions.
• Previous studies have focused on bulk samples rather than individual pyrite generations.
• High-resolution techniques like SIMS provide detailed insights into pyrite formation.

Purpose of Study

• To analyze the sulfur isotopic composition of pyrite at a micro-scale.
• To understand the diagenetic processes influencing pyritization.
• To identify biogeochemical processes such as organiclastic sulfur reduction.

Methods Used

• Secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS) for isotopic analysis.
• Collection of sediment core samples across various depths.
• Cleaning and preparation of samples for analysis.
• Labeling and packaging of samples for transport.

Main Results

• High-resolution isotopic data on pyrite generations were obtained.
• Insights into the diagenetic history of pyritization were revealed.
• Identification of key biogeochemical processes affecting pyritization.
• Demonstration of the effectiveness of SIMS in geochemical studies.

Conclusions

• The study enhances understanding of pyrite formation in methane-rich environments.
• It showcases the utility of SIMS for detailed geochemical analysis.
• Findings contribute to the broader knowledge of sulfur cycling in sediments.

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