Geochemical tracers are substances used to track the movement and sources of materials in the environment. They can be natural or artificial and are often found in water, soil, or air. By analyzing the concentration and distribution of these tracers, scientists can gain insights into processes like pollution, climate change, and geological formations. Common examples of geochemical tracers include isotopes, such as carbon-14 and oxygen-18, which help determine the age of organic materials and the sources of water. Other tracers, like heavy metals or nutrients, can indicate contamination levels and ecosystem health, aiding in environmental monitoring and management.