A new project has been approved between Brazil and Austria, further strengthening the scientific collaboration between GEMB (UNESP), INPA, and Montanuniversität Leoben (MUL).

AMAZON-SrDGT aims to develop and apply an innovative high-resolution approach for quantifying strontium (Sr) isotopes and trace element fluxes in the Amazon River. The methodology integrates passive sampling using DGT (Diffusive Gradients in Thin Films) with high-precision mass spectrometry, enabling the assessment of labile fractions and element fluxes under environmentally relevant conditions—representing a significant advance in monitoring complex aquatic systems.

The project includes a ~10-day field campaign in the Amazon/Solimões system, as well as laboratory analyses conducted in both Brazil and Austria. It also promotes scientific exchange among researchers and students, contributing to capacity building and to the transfer of knowledge and analytical expertise across institutions.

Scientifically, the project focuses on improving the understanding of geogenic and anthropogenic contributions to Sr and trace element dynamics in one of the largest river systems on Earth. The Amazon Basin plays a key role in global hydrological and climate processes, and changes in river chemistry reflect both natural processes—such as weathering and erosion—and human pressures, potentially intensified by climate change.

Beyond methodological advances, AMAZON-SrDGT reinforces a strategic international partnership, fostering integration between research groups with complementary expertise in environmental geochemistry, passive sampling, and advanced analytical techniques. The outcomes are expected to contribute not only to the understanding of tropical river systems but also to broader efforts related to sustainable water management and global environmental change.