Certificate of Analysis of the Reference Material BRP-1 (Basalt Ribeirão Preto)

Reference materials (RM) are essential to achieve traceability of measurements. Specific uses of RM in analytical laboratories are the validation of methods, the calibration of instruments, the quality control and the demonstration of proficiency. This paper describes the certification of a new geochemical reference material, named BRP-1 (Basalt Ribeirão Preto), and acts as the certificate of analysis for this RM. The rock sample was crushed and pulverised at the USGS (Denver, USA), homogenised and split into 1920 bottles, with 55 g each. BRP-1 was transported back to Brazil and the homogeneity between and within bottles was assessed to demonstrate sufficient homogeneity for certification. The chemical characterisation was performed by twenty-five laboratories. Each laboratory received two bottles of BRP-1 and one of BCR-2 (Basalt Columbia River) used for quality control (QC). Reference values and uncertainties were calculated for forty-four constituents of BRP-1, following ISO Guide 35 recommendations and the IAG Protocol. The calculation of each reference value included data of proven traceability from at least ten laboratories using two or more analytical techniques and the uncertainties combines the characterisation and between bottle homogeneity contributions.     

High-Precision Trace Element Data for the USGS Reference Materials BCR-1, BCR-2, BHVO-1, BHVO-2, AGV-1, AGV-2, DTS-1, DTS-2, GSP-1 and GSP-2 by ID-TIMS and MIC-SSMS

Different batches of the new US Geological Survey (USGS) reference materials (RMs) BCR-2, BHVO-2, AGV-2, DTS-2 and GSP-2 and the original USGS RMs BCR-1, BHVO-1, AGV-1, DTS-1 and GSP-1 have been analysed by isotope dilution using thermal ionisation mass spectrometry (ID-TIMS) and by multi-ion counting spark source mass spectrometry (MIC-SSMS). The concentrations of K, Rb, Sr, Ba and the rare earth elements were determined with overall analytical uncertainties of better than 1% (ID-TIMS) and 3% (MIC-SSMS). The analyses of different aliquots and batches of BCR-2, BHVO-2, AGV-2 and GSP-2, respectively, agree within 1%, i.e. approximately the analytical uncertainties of the data. This indicates an homogeneous distribution of the trace elements in these RMs. Differences in element concentrations of up to 17% in different aliquots of the depleted RM DTS-2 are outside the analytical uncertainty of our data. They may be attributed to a slightly heterogeneous distribution of trace elements in this dunite sample. Our trace element data for BCR-2, BHVO-2, AGV-2 and GSP-2 agree within about 3% with preliminary reference values published by the USGS. They also agree within 1-6% with those of the original RMs BCR-1, BHVO-1, AGV-1 and GSP-1. Large compositional differences are found between DTS-2 and DTS-1, where the concentrations of K, Rb, Sr and the light REE differ by factors of 2 to 24.     

Neodymium and Strontium Isotope Data for USGS Reference Materials BCR-1, BCR-2, BHVO-1, BHVO-2, AGV-1, AGV-2, GSP-1, GSP-2 and Eight MPI-DING Reference Glasses

We have measured ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr and ¹⁴³ Nd/¹⁴⁴ Nd isotope ratios in different batches and aliquots of the new US Geological Survey (USGS) reference materials (RMs) BCR-2, BHVO-2, AGV-2 and GSP-2 and the original USGS RMs BCR-1, BHVO-1, AGV-1 and GSP-1 by thermal ionisation mass spectrometry. In addition, we also analysed the eight Max-Planck-Institut-Dingwell (MPI-DING) reference glasses. Nearly all isotope ratios obtained in the different aliquots and batches agree within uncertainty limits indicating excellent homogeneity of the USGS powders and the MPI-DING glasses. With the exception of GSP-2, the new USGS RMs are also indistinguishable from the ratios found in the original USGS RMs (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr: 0.704960, 0.704958 (BCR-1, -2), 0.703436, 0.703435 (BHVO-1, -2), 0.703931, 0.703931 (AGV-1, -2); ¹⁴³ Nd/¹⁴⁴ Nd: 0.512629, 0.512633 (BCR-1, -2), 0.512957, 0.512957 (BHVO-1, -2); 0.512758, 0.512755 (AGV-1, -2)). This means that for normalisation purposes in Sr and Nd isotope geochemistry BCR-2, BHVO-2 and AGV-2 can well replace BCR-1, BHVO-1 and AGV-1 respectively.     

Reproducibility Tests for INAA Determinations With AGV-I, BCR-I and GSP-I and New Data For 17 Geochemical Reference Materials

During 1975–1977, the USGS reference rocks GSP-1, BCR-1 and from 1977 onwards AGV-1 have been systematically analysed in routine INAA as test samples. The results are given for up to 26 elements per sample and the reliability of our setup is demonstrated. For further 17 geochemical reference samples, new results are presented and compared with available data.     

Molybdenum Concentrations Measured in Eleven USGS Geochemical Reference Materials by Isotope Dilution Thermal Ionisation Mass Spectrometry

Molybdenum concentrations in eleven USGS geochemical reference materials AGV-1, BCR-1, BHVO-1, BIR-1, DNC-1, DTS-1, G-2, GSP-1, MAG-1, PCC-1 and W-2 were measured by isotope dilution thermal ionisation mass spectrometry (ID-TIMS). In every case but one, the concentrations determined in this study were significantly lower than the current consensus values. Molybdenum concentrations determined by ID-TIMS are inherently more accurate and precisions may be up to an order of magnitude higher than those measured by other analytical techniques.     

New REE and Trace Element Data on Two Kimberlitic Reference Materials by ICP-MS

Data on thirty-four minor and trace elements including all rare earth elements (REE) are reported for two kimberlitic international reference materials (SARM-39, MINTEK, RSA and MY-4, IGEM, Russia) by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), some of them for the first time. Four digestion techniques (open acid, closed vessel acid, microwave and lithium metaborate fusion digestion) were used for the decomposition of samples for analysis by ICP-MS. Three other reference materials (USGS BHVO-1, CRPG BR-1 and ANRT UB-N) were analysed simultaneously using the same analytical methodology to assess the precision and accuracy of the determinations. The data obtained in this study compare well with working values wherever such values are available for comparison. Though open acid digestion was found to be very rapid, effective and convenient for the determination of several trace elements in kimberlitic samples, recoveries for heavy rare earth elements (HREE) were lower than the respective recoveries obtained by the other decomposition techniques used. The precision obtained was better than ± 6% RSD in the majority of cases with comparable accuracy. Chondrite-normalised plots of each RM for all the digestion techniques were smooth. The new data reported on the two kimberlitic reference materials make these samples useful for future geochemical studies of kimberlitic rocks.     

珠江三角洲沉积物标准物质研制

为满足近海地球化学调查及资源勘探的需要,研制了3个珠江三角洲沉积物标准物质.样品经干燥、球磨至200目,采用XRF法进行均匀性检验,结果显示方差检验的F实测值均小于列表临界值,证明样品具有较好的均匀性.在2年时间内选取有代表性的元素进行了4次稳定性测试,结果表明样品稳定性良好.共12家实验室参加了合作定值,采用了16种准确可靠的分析方法,最终定值元素70项.该标准物质的研制将为河口三角洲地区地质调查提供可靠的质量保证.     

TRACE ELEMENT DETERMINATIONS FOR USGS BASALT BHVO-1 AND NIST STANDARD REFERENCE MATERIALS 278, 688 AND 694 BY INDUCTIVELY COUPLED PLASMA-MASS SPECTROMETRY

Results are presented for 26 to 30 trace elements determined in four rock reference materials of geochemical interest: USGS Basalt BHVO-1, Rhyolite Obsidian NIST 278, Basalt NIST688, and Phosphate Rock NIST694. Determinations were made by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Good agreement was obtained among solution standard comparison and standard addition analytical techniques, and among samples prepared with different dissolution methods. Generally good agreement was obtained between determined trace element values and values reported in the literature.     

Determination of Bromine and Iodine in Twenty-three Geochemical Reference Materials by ICP-MS

Trace amounts (from nanogram to microgram levels) of bromine and iodine were determined by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) in twenty-three geochemical reference materials issued by the GSJ, USGS, IAEA etc. The pyrohydrolysis technique was used to separate bromine and iodine from samples analysed in the form of powder. The accuracy and precision of the experimental values were assessed by the comparative analysis of well established reference materials such as USGS AGV-1, BCR-1 and IGGE GBW07312. The measured values agreed well with reported values within a 10% error range. We also report reliable new data for these elements in these geochemical reference materials.     

Isotope Dilution MC-ICP-MS Rare Earth Element Analysis of Geochemical Reference Materials NIST SRM 610, NIST SRM 612, NIST SRM 614, BHVO-2G, BHVO-2, BCR-2G, JB-2, WS-E, W-2, AGV-1 and AGV-2

We present data for the concentrations of eleven rare earth elements (La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Dy, Er, Yb, Lu) in eleven international geochemical reference materials obtained by isotope dilution multi-collector inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS). We have analysed both rock powders and synthetic silicate glasses, and the latter provide precise data to support the use of these as reference materials for in situ trace element determination techniques. Our data also provide precise measurements of the abundance of mono-isotopic Pr in both glasses and powders, which allows more accurate constraints on the anomalous redox-related behaviour of Ce during geochemical processes. All materials were analysed in replicate providing data that typically reproduce to better than one percent. Sm/Nd ratios in all these materials also reproduce to better than 0.2% and are accurate to < 0.2% and can thus be used as calibrants for Sm-Nd geochronology. Our analyses agree well with existing data on these reference materials. In particular, for NIST SRM 610, USGS BHVO-2, AGV-1 and AGV-2, our measured REE abundances are typically within < 2% (and mostly 1%) of REE concentrations previously determined by isotope dilution analysis and thermal ionisation mass spectrometry, consistent with the higher degree of precision and accuracy obtained from isotope dilution techniques. Close agreement of results between basaltic glass reference materials USGS BHVO-2G and BCR-2G and the BHVO-2 and BCR-2 powders from which they were created suggests that little fractionation, concentration or dilution of REE contents occurred during glass manufacture.     

Determination of REE, Y, Nb, Zr, Hf, Ta, Th and U in Geological Reference Materials LSHC-1 and Amf-1 by Solution and Laser Ablation ICP-MS

This paper presents data on REE and Y, Nb, Zr, Hf, Ta, Th and U abundances for two candidate reference materials (RMs), spinel lherzolite LSHC-1 and amphibole Amf-1, being currently developed at the Institute of Geochemistry SB RAS, Irkutsk. To determine the contents of these elements inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry was applied with: (i) solution nebulisation (solution ICP-MS) and (ii) laser ablation (LA-ICP-MS) of fused glass disks. The precision of results obtained by both techniques was better than 6% RSD for most elements. Accuracy was assessed by using the geochemical RMs JB-2, JGb-1 (GSJ) and MAG-1 (USGS). The trace element results by solution ICP-MS for JGb-1 and JB-2 agree with reference values presented by Imai et al. (1995, this Journal) within 1–10%. Significant differences were found for Nb and Ta determinations. The accuracy of LA-ICP-MS results evaluated by RM MAG-1 was within 4%, except for Eu (about 10%). The analytical results obtained for LSHC-1 and Amf-1 by solution ICP-MS and LA-ICP-MS were in good agreement with each other and with INAA and XRF data presented for the certification of these RMs. They can be considered as the indicative values for assigning certified values to the above-mentioned RMs.     

New CGSP Carbonate Matrix Reference Materials for LA-ICP-MS Analysis

Four CGSP (Chinese Geological Standard Powders) carbonate matrix element reference materials were prepared by a coprecipitation method. The major and trace elements were dissolved from natural rare earth carbonate raw materials in strong acid and precipitated with ammonium bicarbonate or ammonia to form carbonate matrix phases. The carbonate reference materials were ground and pressed into tablets for microanalysis. The element homogeneity and stability in CGSP reference materials were tested by LA-ICP-MS using a calibration strategy without an internal standard element and evaluated mainly following ISO Guide 35: 2017 and JJF 1343-2012. Although the homogeneity of most of elements in the CGSP series were comparable to the repeatability obtained from homogeneous glasses, some elements (e.g., Mo, Se, Ga, Ge, Cd, Ni, Co, U) were found to have some degree of heterogeneity. All of elements passed the t-test evaluation in a 32-month stability examination except for Mo in CGSP-A, Na, Ge, Mo in CGSP-B, Ni, Cd, Sn in CGSP-C, and Al, P, Tb, Ho in CGSP-D. The certified element mass fraction values and uncertainties were determined with the characterisation of a non-operationally defined measurand using various bulk analysis methods in eight laboratories. GGSPs will provide a new carbonate calibration reference option for microanalysis.     

Multi-Element Isotope Dilution Sector Field ICP-MS: A Precise Technique for the Analysis of Geological Materials and its Application to Geological Reference Materials

We present a multi-element technique for the simultaneous determination of twelve trace elements in geological materials by combined isotope dilution (ID) sector field inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (SF-ICP-MS) following simple sample digestion. In addition, the concentrations of fourteen other trace elements have been obtained using the ID determined elements as internal standards. This method combines the advantages of ID (high precision and accuracy) with those of SF-ICP-MS (multi-element capability, fast sample processing without element separation) and overcomes the most prevailing drawbacks of ICP-MS (matrix effects and drift in sensitivity). Trace element concentration data for BHVO-1 (n = 5) reproduced to within 1–3% RSD with an accuracy of 1–2% relative to respective literature values for ID values and 2–3% for all other values. We have applied this technique to the analysis of seventeen geological reference materials from the USGS, GSJ and IAG. The sample set also included the new USGS reference glasses BCR-2G, BHVO-2G and BIR-1G, as well as the MPI-DING reference glasses KL2-G and ML3B-G, and NIST SRM 612. Most data agreed within 3–4% with respective literature data. The concentration data for the USGS reference glasses agreed in most cases with respective data of the original rock powder within the combined standard uncertainty of the method (2–3%), except the U concentration of BIR-1G, which showed a three times higher concentration compared to BIR-1.     

Suitability of Mn‐ and Fe‐Rich Reference Materials for Microanalytical Research

Manganese‐ and iron‐rich materials are of major geoscientific and economic interest, many of which contain microscopic features that provide valuable information. To obtain accurate results, a homogeneous microanalytical reference material for calibration is needed. Several researchers have used the Mn‐ and Fe‐rich RMs, JMn‐1, NOD‐A‐1, NOD‐P‐1 and FeMn‐1, for this purpose; therefore, they were tested in this study to determine their suitability for microanalysis. Their homogeneity was investigated by laser ablation‐inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry (LA‐ICP‐MS) with two different types of lasers (nano‐ and femtosecond), with spot and line scan analyses and with different operating parameters, such as spot size, pulse repetition rate and fluence. As the established manganese nodule RMs revealed inhomogeneities for picogram to microgram test portions, we also investigated the new synthetic Fe‐ and Mn‐rich RM, FeMnOx‐1. FeMnOx‐1 was found to be homogeneous for large (ø 40 μm: 2% RSD repeatability) and small (ø 8–10 μm: 10% RSD repeatability) spot sizes. This homogeneity is in the range of the homogeneous NIST SRM 610 and GSE‐1G reference glasses. Furthermore, FeMnOx‐1 revealed a large‐scale homogeneity within uncertainties of a few per cent, using test portions in the ng range, when measuring four individual mounts of this material.     

Chemical Characterisation of the USGS Reference Glasses GSA-1G, GSC-1G, GSD-1G, GSE-1G, BCR-2G, BHVO-2G and BIR-1G Using EPMA, ID-TIMS, ID-ICP-MS and LA-ICP-MS

The USGS reference glasses GSA-1G, GSC-1G, GSD-1G, GSE-1G, BCR-2G, BHVO-2G and BIR-1G were investigated by different analytical techniques. All these materials have a geological (basaltic) matrix and are therefore useful in igneous geochemistry as matrix-matched reference materials for microanalytical techniques. The new GS glasses have trace elements in groups at concentration levels of about < 0.01, 5, 50 and 500 μg g^-1. Their major element compositions have been determined by EPMA, and trace elements have been analysed by LA-ICP-MS and two isotope dilution techniques using TIMS and ICP-MS. EPMA and LA-ICP-MS analyses indicated that the USGS reference glasses are homogeneous at the μm to mm scale with respect to major (variations < 1-2%) and most trace elements (variations 1-4%). Trace element data obtained from the different analytical techniques agreed within an uncertainty of 1-5%, indicating that between method results are comparable. Therefore, the preliminary working values for the four USGS GS glasses calculated from these data have a low level of uncertainty.     

长江三角洲沉积物标准物质研制

美国、加拿大等国家先后研制了10余个海湾和河口沉积物标准物质,但定值成分较少,大多侧重于有机污染物和放射性核素值。我国于2007年研制了3个黄河三角洲沉积物标准物质,为进一步满足近海地球化学调查及资源勘探的需要,本文按照ISO导则35和国家一级标准物质技术规范,研制了2个长江三角洲沉积物标准物质。按照不同粒径采集两个候选物样品,样品经干燥、球磨至200目,采用电感耦合等离子体质谱和发射光谱法进行均匀性检验,结果表明F实测值小于列表临界值F0.05(24,25)=1.96,样品均匀性良好。在两年时间内采用X射线荧光光谱法进行了4次稳定性检验,未发现统计学意义上的明显变化,样品稳定性良好。由12家有技术权威的实验室共采用13种准确、可靠的分析方法进行协作定值,最终定值元素53项,涵盖了主量、微量及全部稀土元素,其中主量成分含量呈梯度分布,如Al2O3的含量分别为16.42%、11.48%。该系列标准物质定值元素种类多,定值方法准确,能够为河口三角洲地区地质及环境调查的分析测试工作提供可靠的质量保证。     

地质标准物质的研制方法

地质标准物质作为地质材料成分分析的计量标准,在分析质量监控、方法评价等方面发挥着越来越重要的作用.研制与应用地质标准物质是推动地质分析技术与方法发展必不可少的重要工作.通过介绍地质标准物质的研制过程和技术方法,重点讨论了地质标准物质的样品加工制备、均匀性检验、稳定性检验及定值等方面的标准要求及技术方法.     

海泡石化学成分分析标准物质研制

海泡石是一种十分重要的非金属矿，被广泛应用于航空、畜牧、化工环保等领域中，贸易活动十分活跃。鉴于中国一直没有海泡石标准物质，国际上的海泡石标准物质定值组分少，为了满足相关研究需求，本文研制了湖南湘潭的海泡石标准物质（GBW07138）。对Ba、Be、Bi、Cd、Ce、Co、Cr、Cs、La、Li、Lu、U、Nb、Nd、Ni、Pb、SiO₂、Al₂O₃、Fe₂O₃、MgO、CaO、Na₂O、K₂O、TiO₂共24种组分进行均匀性和稳定性检验。针对不同含量、不同性质的组分，采用合理的国家标准方法检验了20种组分的RSD小于3%，其余4种组分Bi、La、Lu、Mo的RSD略大于3%，方差检验的F值均小于列表临界值[F_0.05（29，60）=1.65]，表明该标准物质均匀性良好。在稳定性考察期内，24种组分的含量无统计学上的明显变化，表明该标准物质稳定性良好。由9家实验室采用重量法、容量法、X射线荧光光谱法、电感耦合等离子体质谱法等传统化学分析方法和现代仪器分析方法协作定值，最终定值组分63种，涵盖了主量、微量及全部稀土元素，其中海泡石特征组分MgO和烧失量（LOI）的含量分别为18%±0.2%和8.55%±0.19%，这两种组分与现有的标准物质形成一定阶梯性，能够更好地满足海泡石成分分析测试需求。该海泡石标准物质可用于地质找矿、地球化学调查、地质矿产产品测试以及其他行业相关领域样品测试的质量监控标准。而且在研制该标准物质过程中，改良或开发的一些新方法可为后续开发海泡石标准物质提供技术支持。     

Determination of Indium and Tellurium in Fifty Nine Geological Reference Materials by Solvent Extraction and Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

The indium (In) and tellurium (Te) contents of fifty nine geological reference materials, issued by several reference material producers (USGS, CRPG, ANRT, GIT-IWG and GSJ) have been determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry, after aqua regia and HF digestion, and extraction of iodide complexes with trioctylmethylammonium (TOMA) - metyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK). Although the interferences from most elements can be minimised by the addition of palladium solution as the matrix modifier, large concentrations of Bi, Cu, Pb or Sn suppress the absorbance of In and/or Te. Samples for analysis were therefore restricted to those in which the concentrations of these interfering elements did not cause a significant interference. The limit of detection was 0.2 ng g⁻¹ In and Te for 1 g test portions. The agreement between the reported results and published data is satisfactory.