Increases in Anthropogenic Gadolinium

In January, UC Santa Cruz researchers published a study in Environmental Science & Technology on concentrations of gadolinium (Gd) and other rare earth elements in the Bay based on analysis of archived RMP water samples.  These authors conclude that: 1) “exotic” trace elements used in new high-tech applications, such as Gd, are emerging contaminants in San Francisco Bay and that anthropogenic Gd concentrations increased substantially over a 20 year period; 2) rare earth elements may be used as tracers of wastewater discharges and hydrological processes; and 3) that new public policies and the development of more effective treatment technologies may be necessary to control sources and minimize future contamination by rare earth elements.