Quantitative information or data is based on quantities obtained using a quantifiable measurement process. In contrast, qualitative information records qualities that are descriptive, subjective or difficult to measure.
Human activities have strongly modified the biogeochemical cycles of metallic trace elements (MTEs) increasing their fluxes towards and between surface environments. New isotope data has fostered better models of MTE sources, transfer and reactivities in dynamic and multi-sources systems, as required for targeting emission controlled strategies to combat origins and consequences of metal contamination.