“…The Bahamian dolomite yielded more negative than expected ∆ 48 values, as opposed to our observation of more positive values. Previous publications have attributed negative ∆ 48 trends with CO 2 introduction into solution with rate-limiting hydration and hydroxylation reactions before mineralization ( 26 , 27 , 31 , 32 , 35 , 50 ), as well as combinatorial effects due to isotopically dissimilar sources of oxygen to the CO 2 molecule ( 50 , 51 ). Both of these mechanisms could be possible in the Bahamas, as organic material contains oxygen itself that may be dissimilar from that of formational water, and the anaerobic metabolism of organic material can release CO 2 .…”