Isotopic Geochemistry of Cadmium: A Review

Abstract Cadmium (Cd) is a scarce, but not an extremely rare element in the Earth's crust (crustal average: 0.2 ppm Cd). Geochemically, Cd exhibits thiophile, lithophile, and volatile behavior in different geologic processes. Biologically, it is a nutrient‐like element that is closely related to P and Zn and is toxic element to organisms. Presently, Cd isotopes have been successfully utilized to trace Cd sources and nutrient cycling in marine systems in addition to unearthing other geochemical processes. Using published studies and our recent work, this survey summarizes the chemical preparation and mass spectrometry of Cd isotopes. It also reviews Cd isotopic compositions and fractionation mechanisms in nature as well as experiments.