Stable Isotopes

Stable isotopes are variants of atoms of the same chemical element that have the same number of protons and electrons, but different numbers of neutrons. They are found throughout the universe, from stars to rocks to our own bodies. Stable isotopes exist in a wide range of concentrations in different substances and can be used to trace the pathways and processes of natural elements, compounds and particles, in order to better understand the Earth's complex environment. For example, stable isotopes are used to trace the migration of water, the transport of carbon and nitrogen, and the origins of metals. Additionally, stable isotopes have been used to detect and measure pollutants, study climate change processes, and examine the effects of human activities on the environment.