Pyritized burrows from three localities were analysed using LA-ICP-MS to determine their trace element content and assess their ability to sequester trace elements. Pyritic burrows from Hock Cliff (Jurassic), Wren's Nest (Silurian) and Southerham Grey Pit (Cretaceous) have anomalous levels of Se, Cu and Pb and are enriched relative to their host sediments. Sequestration rates were calculated using sedimentation rates from similar depositional environments. Results show that pyritic burrows, mediated by bacterial sulphate reduction, can sequester Se, Cu and Pb up to 3 orders of magnitude greater than the rate of Fe–Mn crusts, which are considered rich sources of trace elements, demonstrating that bioturbated marine sediments are significant sinks of trace elements.

使用 LA-ICP-MS 分析了来自三个地点的黄铁矿洞穴，以确定其微量元素含量并评估其螯合微量元素的能力。Hock Cliff（侏罗纪）、Wren's Nest（志留纪）和 Southerham Gray Pit（白垩纪）的黄铁矿洞穴具有异常水平的 Se、Cu 和 Pb，并且相对于它们的寄主沉积物来说是富集的。封存率是使用来自类似沉积环境的沉积率计算的。结果表明，由细菌硫酸盐还原介导的黄铁矿洞穴可以比 Fe-Mn 结壳的速率高出 3 个数量级的 Se、Cu 和 Pb，后者被认为是微量元素的丰富来源，这表明生物扰动的海洋沉积物是微量元素的重要汇。