Uncertainty-based assessment of tracer selection, tracer non-conservativeness and multiple solutions in sediment fingerprinting using synthetic and field data

• DOI: 10.1007/s11368-015-1123-5
• Publication Date: 2015-04-03T05:07:48Z
• Authors: Sophie C. Sherriff; Stewart W. Franks; John S. Rowan; Owen Fenton; Daire Ó’hUallacháin
• Keywords: TRACER; Synthetic data

Purpose Modification of sediment properties used in fingerprinting applications occurs along transport pathways as a result of particle size and organic matter enrichment/depletion, and geochemical transformations. Statistical approaches have been widely used to correct for enrichment and depletion, but detection of, and the un-mixing errors and uncertainties that arise from non-conservative behaviour remains under-recognised. Additionally, the over-determined nature of sediment fingerprint un-mixing models results in a range of potential solutions which are yet to be formally assessed.