Dr Andrew Smith in a cave

Dr Andrew Smith

I am a Stable Isotope Geochemist at the British Geological Survey, specialising in the development and application of stable isotope techniques for environmental and climate research. My work focuses on nutrient cycling—particularly nitrogen, carbon, and phosphorus—and the use of isotope tracers to understand modern pollution pathways and biogeochemical processes.

I have particular expertise in methane stable isotope analysis and phosphate oxygen isotope techniques, which I apply to both contemporary environmental monitoring and palaeoclimate reconstruction. My research aims to refine our understanding of nutrient dynamics across terrestrial and aquatic systems, helping to identify pollution sources, quantify nutrient fluxes, and interpret environmental change through time.

Since 2022, I have represented BGS in the ENVISION Doctoral Training Partnership, supporting the training and development of the next generation of environmental scientists. I joined BGS in 2015, following the completion of my PhD in Environmental Science at Lancaster University, where my research focused on nutrient biogeochemistry.

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Courses

a close up of different types of moss

The Fundamentals of Stable Isotopes

Unlock the Power of Stable Isotopes for Your Research! Are you planning to use stable isotopes in your research? Whether you’re new to the field or looking to strengthen your foundation, this [...]

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Facility 3D Tours

BGS Microscope Lab

BGS Microscope and Drill Laboratory

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BGS Min Prep

BGS Mineral Preparation Facility

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BGS

NEIF BGS Stable Isotopes and Geochronological Tracers Facilities

This tour includes both the BGS Stable Isotope Facility (Contact Mel Leng @ BGS) and the BGS Geochronology and Tracers Facility (Contact Dan Condon @ [...]

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Publications: Publications