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.     

Strontium, Neodymium and Lead Isotope Analyses of NIST Glass Certified Reference Materials: SRM 610, 612, 614

The NIST glass certified reference materials, SRM 610-617, have been widely adopted by the geological community as calibration samples for a variety of in situ trace element analytical techniques. There is now an urgent requirement for similar reference materials for in situ isotopic analytical techniques. We have analysed SRM 610, 612 and 614 for their Pb, Sr and Nd isotopic compositions using thermal ionisation mass spectrometry. Large differences in isotopic composition were observed between each CRM, suggesting a significant trace element content in the initial starting material (base glass). As a result, isotopic compositions for one CRM cannot be extrapolated to another, and each must be calibrated for use independently. We present the first compilation of working values for these glasses.     

The Determination of Total Hydrogen, Carbon, Nitrogen and Sulfur in Silicates, Silicate Rocks, Soils and Sediments

Determinations of the volatile elements carbon, hydrogen, sulfur and nitrogen in many geological RM, performed with the LECO CHN and SC analysers, are presented. The method allowed the determination of S in concentrations from a few % m/m to 0.001% m/m or less, of C from % m/m to 0.01% m/m and of H from % m/m to 0.004% m/m. Accuracy was usually better than the XRF method (for S). All obtained values passed the Sutarno-Steger test, which establishes that |(mean_analysed - mean_certified)|/ S_certified < 2, for the cases with an appropriate number of determinations (n > 10 for each element). It was possible to perform routine determination of C, H and S with the instrumentation, coupled with the determination of major and minor elements in geological materials. Determination of nitrogen could also be performed on an exploratory basis, with improvements in the method dependent on the future availability of more reference materials with reliable composition of this element.     

Determination of Multiple Trace Element Compositions in Thin (> 30 μm) Layers of NIST SRM 614 and 616 Using Laser Ablation-Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS)

To understand and/or avoid small-scale chemical heterogeneities within geological materials prepared as normal thin sections, in situ multiple trace element determination coupled with the simultaneous microscopic observation of the sample during analysis is preferable. We have examined fifty trace elements in thin (< 30 μm) layers of the NIST SRM 614 and 616 glass reference materials by LA-ICP-MS using different pit diameters and internal standard elements (Ca and Si). Compositional heterogeneities of Tl, Bi, As and Cd were found in NIST SRM 614 and 616 at the spatial resolution of ca. 10 0 μm. Except for these elements, the RSDs of six determinations for most elements were better than 10% in NIST SRM 614 when ablation diameters were < 50 μm. The measured concentrations for most elements in NIST SRM 614 and 616 agree with previous values in the literature at the 95% confidence level with the exception of W and Bi. New LA-ICP-MS data for K, As and Cd are also reported. The results support the view that the latest LA-ICP-MS is a powerful and flexible analytical technique for the determination of multiple ultra-trace element compositions in geological materials prepared as normal thin sections of the type that has been used for polarising optical microscopic observations since the end of the 19th century.     

X射线荧光光谱法测定高锶高钡的硅酸盐样品中主量元素

用百分总和检查硅酸盐岩石全分析数据的质量是分析工作者的传统做法,但对于微量元素含量较高的样品,采用X射线荧光光谱法(XRF)进行测定,如果不考虑微量元素的含量及其对主量元素基体效应的影响,往往会使主量元素含量更加偏离真实值。本文针对Sr、Ba含量较高的硅酸盐样品,通过人工配制标准样品,扩大了Sr、Ba校准曲线的定量范围,主量元素校准中加入Sr、Ba的基体校正系数,达到了主量元素定量更加准确可靠的实际效果。采用此方法分析国家标准物质,各主量元素的精密度(RSD)均小于2%;分析不参加回归的标准物质和人工配制的标准样品,主量元素的测量值与标准值(或参考值)基本一致。该方法可以满足硅酸盐的测定要求,主量元素各项结果的加和能够达到《地质矿产实验室测试质量管理规范》的一级标准(99.3%～100.7%)。     

Neutron Activation Analysis, Atomic Absorption and X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry Review for 2003

This review for the year 2003 deals with three relatively well-established, mature, analytical techniques (neutron activation analysis, atomic absorption spectrometry and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry) that nevertheless remain very important for the characterisation of geological and environmental samples. Developments in neutron activation analysis included modification to the technique in relation to the determination of platinum-group elements, as well as consideration of sample size in ore grade estimation. A considerable body of literature was published on the application of atomic absorption spectrometry in the analysis of environmental samples. Many of these proposed technical and methodological improvements, notably in extraction procedures. X-ray fluorescence spectrometry saw developments in in situ analysis, synchrotron micro-XRF (μ-SRXRF) and a confocal X-ray set-up for 3D elemental imaging. XRF technologies were used in the analysis of geological samples, reference materials, glasses, solutes and environmental materials.     

Comprehensive Chemical and Isotopic Analyses of Basalt and Sediment Reference Materials

Geochemical studies of geological samples require the precise determination of their major and trace element contents and, when measured, of their isotopic compositions. It is now commonly accepted that the accuracy and precision of geochemical analyses are best estimated by the concomitant analysis of international reference materials run as unknown samples. Although the composition of a wide selection of basalts is relatively well constrained, this is far from being the case for sedimentary materials. We present here a comprehensive set of major and trace element data as well as Nd, Hf, Sr and Pb isotopic compositions for thirteen commonly used international reference materials – eight magmatic rocks (BHVO‐2, BR, BE‐N, BR 24, AGV‐1, BIR‐1, UB‐N, RGM‐1) and five sediments (JLk‐1, JSd‐1, JSd‐2, JSd‐3, LKSD‐1). We determined the concentrations of over forty elements in the magmatic rocks together with Sr, Nd, Hf and Pb isotopic compositions. Our trace element results were both accurate (difference ≤ 3%) and precise (reproducibility at 1s ≤ 3%) and the isotopic results were very similar to other published values. In contrast, we observed a significant chemical and isotopic variability in the sedimentary materials, which we attribute to mineral heterogeneities in the powders. Despite the limitation imposed by this heterogeneity, our work presents a complete set of data determined with a precision not yet achieved in the literature for sedimentary material. We also provide the first Nd, Hf and Pb isotopic measurements for the five sediments, which are commonly used by the geochemical community. Our study of both basalt and sediment reference materials represents a comprehensive and self‐consistent set of geochemical data and can therefore be considered as a reference database for the community.     

关于铂族元素分析精度要求的讨论

列举了1972年、1978年、1988年、1994年、2002年和2006年6次制订、修订的质量管理制度、规定、规范(地质矿产行业标准)中关于铂族元素分析精度的规定和要求,评介了6个质量管理文件中对铂族元素分析精度要求的变化,计算、统计了中国与世界铂族元素标准物质标准值定值数据的精度。最后在上述资料的基础上讨论了当今铂族元素分析和标准物质标准值定值的精度要求问题,并据此提出了相关的建议。     

An Evaluation of Methods for the Chemical Decomposition of Geological Materials for Trace Element Determination using ICP-MS

Complete dissolution is essential to obtain accurate analytical results using ICP-MS. In this study, decomposition techniques (i.e. acid digestions using Savillex Teflon vials, a high pressure digestion system and microwave oven, a combined lithium tetraborate fusion - HF/HNO3 acid decomposition and sodium peroxide sinter) for the total dissolution of different types of geological reference materials have been investigated. Savillex Teflon vial HF/HNO3 digestion is effective for basaltic samples. The high pressure HF/HClO4 digestion (PicoTrace TC-805 digestion system, Bovenden, Germany) allows dissolution of basalts and ironstones. Granites and magnetite-rich samples can be dissolved using a high pressure HF/H₂SO₄ method. Geological samples cannot be effectively attacked by microwave acid digestion. A combined lithium tetraborate fusion - HF/HNO3 acid digestion method allows complete dissolution of many different types of geological materials; however, this method precludes the determination of volatile elements due to the high fusion temperature (1000 °C). A sodium peroxide sinter method at 480 °C has the potential for the rapid determination of Y, Sc and REE in different types of geological materials. However, the lack of ultra-pure reagents precludes the use of lithium tetraborate fusion and sodium peroxide sinter methods for the measurement of geological samples with low trace element abundances.     

Determination of trace elements in silicate rocks by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry on 1:5 glass discs: comparison of accuracy and precision with pressed powder pellet analysis

A fusion procedure commonly used for major element analysis of silicate rocks (1:5 sample to flux ratio, using 0.7 g of sample) was used to determine a small group of trace elements (Cu, Zn, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, Nb) by X-ray fluorescence. Compton scatter peak ratioing was successfully used for matrix corrections, despite the thickness of the glass discs being only 1.7 mm. Precision and detection limits were compared with pressed pellet values. For most elements, routine analytical precision is better with powder pellets and detection limits are worse in glass discs, by an average factor of 2, considering all elements analyzed. Accuracy was evaluated with international reference materials and for most of the determinations, good or excellent agreement with recommended values was obtained. The main advantages of using glass discs for the trace element determination are the possibility of analyzing small amounts of sample and the suppression of any mineralogical effects in the glass discs, which can also be used to determine major elements.     

地质标准物质的最小取样量问题

地质标准物质已是当今地质分析数据质量保证与监控系统中最重要的手段之一。正确使用标准物质的重要条件是遵循标准物质最小取样量的规定。然而当今高灵敏度、小取样量（20-30mg）的现代主流分析技术正向着当前普遍使用的地质标准物质100mg最小取样量的要求提出挑战。本文从历史演变和当前需求讨论了地质分析取样量问题以及地质标准物质最小取样量及其应用意义,并提出了解决当前这一矛盾的技术措施与步骤。同时也提醒分析方法研究者、质量管理者和标准物质研制者关注取样量问题,以使更新换代快的技术方法和相对滞后的监管方法（包括标准物质）得到协调发展。     

地质样品中40个微量、痕量、超痕量元素的ICP-MS分析研究

以基体匹配的混合标准溶液为外标校正溶液, 采用115In - 10 3 Rh双内标校正系统, 通过单个元素Ca, Cr, Ti, Ba, La, Ce, Pr的氧化物、氢氧化物产率的测定, 计算其等效干扰离子浓度, 并进行校正, 从而有效地抑制了分析信号的漂移、基体效应及多原子离子干扰.针对不同岩性的地质样品, 分别采用酸消解、碱熔融样品制备体系, 在POEMSⅢ上建立了等离子体质谱法同时测定微量、痕量、超痕量元素的分析方法.用于国际地质标样AGV - 1 (安山岩), BH VO - 2 (玄武岩), GSR - 3 (玄武岩), DNC - 1 (橄榄岩), RGM - 1 (流纹岩), G - 2 (花岗岩), JG- 2 (花岗岩) 的分析, 结果令人满意.      

Laser Ablation ICP-MS Analysis of Geological Materials Prepared as Lithium Borate Glasses

A simple, rapid and precise method is described for determining trace elements by laser ablation (LA)-ICP-MS analysis in bulk geological materials that have been prepared as lithium borate glasses following standard procedures for XRF analysis. This approach reliably achieves complete sample digestion and provides for complementary XRF and LA-ICP-MS analysis of a full suite of major and trace elements from a single sample preparation. Highly precise analysis is enabled by rastering an ArF excimer laser (λ= 193nm) across fused samples to deliver a constant sample yield to the mass spectrometer without inter-element fractionation effects during each analysis. Capabilities of the method are demonstrated by determination of twenty five trace elements (Sc, Ti, V, Ga, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, Nb, Cs, Ba, REE, Hf, Ta, Pb, Th and U) in a diverse range of geological reference materials that includes peridotites, basalts, granites, metamorphic rocks and sediments. More than 90% of determinations are indistinguishable from published reference values at the 95% confidence level. Systematic bias greater than 5% is observed for only a handful of elements (Zr, Nb and U) and may be attributed in part to inaccurate calibration values used for the NIST SRM 612 glass in the case of Zr and Nb. Detection limits for several elements, most notably La, are compromised at ultra-trace levels by impurities in the lithium borate flux but can be corrected for by subtracting appropriate procedural blanks. Reliable Pb analysis has proved problematic due to variable degrees of contamination introduced during sample polishing prior to analysis and from Pt-crucibles previously used to fuse Pb-rich samples. Scope exists for extending the method to include internal standard element/isotope spiking, particularly where integrated XRF analysis is not available to characterise major and trace elements in the fused lithium borate glasses prior to LA-ICP-MS analysis.     

Comparison of Synchrotron Radiation X-Ray Fluorescence with Conventional Techniques for the Analysis of Sedimentary Samples

A comparison is made of elemental analyses of sediment samples (lake bottom sediments and sediments from the petroliferous Bazhenovka Formation) by five competitive methods (synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence (SR-XRF), INAA, ICP-MS, AAS and traditional XRF). The object of this study was to identify the most suitable analytical techniques for applications in sedimentary geochemistry. Advantages and shortcomings of the five techniques were considered with respect to applications related to studies of palaeo-climate changes recorded in sedimentary cores from Lake Baikal and the geochemical stratigraphy of the Bazhenovka Formation, which is rich in organic material. We have concluded that SR-XRF was the best technique for producing extensive analytical data series, from the point of view of its speed, ease of application, cost, non-destructive nature and sensitivity, which allowed for the simultaneous determination of more than twenty elements of geochemical interest in small samples of sediments. An additional benefit of the method was demonstrated when used for the independent certification of geological reference materials. International reference samples BIL-1 and SDO-1 were certified by means of this method without use of reference materials. Analyses were based on the physics of the theory of energy transport.     

Mass Fractions of Forty‐Six Major and Trace Elements,Including Rare Earth Elements,in Sediment and Soil Reference Materials Used in Environmental Studies

Development of new techniques, enabling simultaneous determination of large numbers of elements in environmental samples, can force analysts to use certified reference materials that do not contain all the elements of interest. In this paper, the mass fractions of forty‐six major and trace elements, including rare earth elements (REE), are presented in one soil (NCS DC 77302 also known as GBW 07410) and five sediment (Metranal‐1, IAEA 405, MESS‐3, NCS DC 73309 also known as GBW 07311 and NCS DC 75301 also known as GBW 07314) certified reference materials determined by high resolution inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry. The selected certified materials represent a spectrum of geological matrices often analysed in environmental studies. Measured elements include certified elements, elements listed with information values as well as new elements absent from certificates, including REEs and some other elements. REE + Y mass fractions in the river sediment reference material Metranal‐1 are reported for the first time. The results obtained are in agreement with available certified or information values.     

高温熔融研制岩石标准玻璃方法初步研究:以玄武岩为例

探索了利用高温炉合成玄武岩玻璃制作原位微区主微量元素含量分析的标准物质的实验条件.选取玄武岩标准物质GBW07105(GSR-3)进行高温熔融、淬火实验研究,获得玄武岩玻璃,为合成其他地质样品微区分析标准参考物质的研制提供了参考方法.用激光剥蚀-四极杆等离子体质谱(LA-Q-ICPMS)对样品微区46个主元素和微量元素...     

Determination of Major/ Minor and Trace Elements in Seamount Phosphorite by XRF Spectrometry

In this paper, a method developed to determine the major, minor and trace elements, including carbon and the four halogens, in seamount phosphorite involving a modern XRF spectrometry technique is described. Ultra-fine (99% v/v < 40 μm) powder samples (4 g) were directly pressed into pellets (Φ= 30 mm). For elements having an analytical line lower in energy than the energy of Fe Kα line absorption edge, the inter-element absorption-enhancement effects were corrected using an influence coefficient method. For the other elements, the matrix effects were corrected using the ratio of element peak to Rh Kα Compton peak (for I, Rh K|3 Compton peak was used instead). The relative standard deviation was smaller than 1.0% for the major elements (except C, Na and Cl). The detection limit levels of C, F, Cl, Br and I were 30, 20, 0.8, 0.2 and 0.3 (μg g⁻¹ respectively for 100 s count time of background. The accuracy of this method was tested by evaluating determinations on three certified reference materials. The direct analysis of major and minor elements in geological materials by pressed pellet without any chemical procedures makes XRF spectrometry a particularly environment-friendly analytical technique.     

Determination of Trace Elements in Geological Reference Materials G‐3, GSP‐2 and SGD‐1a by Low‐Dilution Glass Bead Digestion and ICP‐MS

We present a revised alkali fusion method for the determination of trace elements in geological samples. Our procedure is based on simple acid digestion of powdered low‐dilution (flux : sample ≈ 2 : 1) glass beads where large sample dilution demanded by high total dissolved solids, a main drawback of conventional alkali fusion, could be circumvented. Three geological reference materials (G‐3 granite, GSP‐2 granodiorite and SGD‐1a gabbro) decomposed by this technique and routine tabletop acid digestion were analysed for thirty trace elements using a quadrupole ICP‐MS. Results by conventional acid digestion distinctly showed poor recoveries of Zr, Hf and rare earth elements due to incomplete dissolution of resistant minerals. On the other hand, results obtained by our method were in reasonable agreement with reference data for most analytes, indicating that refractory minerals were efficiently dissolved and volatile loss was insignificant.     

我国十年地质调查实验测试研究主要成果

我国地质调查实验测试研究项目主要来源于中国地质调查局科技外事部。中国地质调查局成立十年来,在地质"野战军"装备计划的大力支持下,在地质行业强大需求的推动下,我国的地质实验测试技术得到发展,分析测试仪器装备得到加强,实验测试人才队伍逐渐壮大,分析测试水平及能力明显提升。基本建立了从主量、微量到痕量元素分析,从无机组分到有机组分分析,从固体、液体到油气样品分析,能全方位覆盖地质调查样品类型、满足地质调查需求的实验测试技术方法体系及相应的样品分析能力。文章介绍了十年来由中国地质调查局科技外事部支持的地质调查实验测试研究项目情况,从无机测试分析技术方法、有机测试分析技术方法、同位素测试技术方法及应用、地球化学系列标准物质研制、地质实验仪器研发及升级改造、实验室信息管理系统应用推广等六方面总结了我国十年地质调查实验测试研究项目取得的主要成果。