Developing isoscape models to trace timber origin of commercially exploited timber in the Amazon region using stable isotopes of strontium and sulfur.

• Grant number: 24/11119-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• Start date: February 20, 2025
• End date: February 19, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Forestry Resources and Forestry Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Luiz Antonio Martinelli
• Grantee: Isabela Maria Souza Silva
• Supervisor: Clement Bataille
• Host Institution: Centro de Energia Nuclear na Agricultura (CENA). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Piracicaba , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: University of Ottawa (uOttawa), Canada
• Associated to the scholarship: 23/13568-7 - DETERMINATION OF THE GEOGRAPHICAL ORIGIN OF COMMERCIALLY IMPORTANT TIMBER SPECIES FROM THE AMAZON REGION THROUGH VARIATIONS IN CARBON AND NITROGEN ISOTOPE RATIOS, BP.DR

Abstract

Climatic, geological and pedological factors influence the isotopic composition of the carbon, nitrogen, strontium and sulphur absorbed by trees, making these isotopes natural markers of geographical origin. This research proposes the application of multi-isotopes to determine the geographical provenance of commercial timber in the Amazon region. Isotopic methodology and isoscapes are promising tools for differentiating individuals grown in different environments. In addition to the carbon and nitrogen isotopes explored in the candidate's thesis, our proposal incorporates strontium and sulphur as new potential markers. 87Sr/86Sr reflects local geology, while 34S is influenced by proximity to the ocean and the deposition rate of marine aerosols. These additional isotopes strengthen statistical models for the geographical assignment of wood, refining isoscapes and increasing the accuracy of origin identification. This pioneering research will significantly contribute to determining the origin of timber in the Amazon, exploiting potential isotopic markers to improve the identification of geographical provenance through isoscapes - which is essential for combating the illegal timber trade - and promoting sustainable forest management practices in the region. This proposal is a collaboration with Associate Professor Dr. Clément Bataille in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Ottawa (Canada).