Measuring Hg Isotopes in Bio-Geo-Environmental Reference Materials

With the emergence of new analytical techniques and the expansion of scientific fields explored by using mercury isotopes, the community needs reference materials (RM) to validate and assure the accuracy of the results. The present work investigates (1) the characterisation of secondary RM in order to validate analytical systems, (2) the effects of two complex matrices on isotopic determination using stannous chloride cold vapour generation coupled to MC-ICP-MS (CV-MC-ICP-MS), (3) the effects of multiple digestion techniques for total Hg extraction and (4) the characterisation of nine geo-bio-environmental RM. Two secondary mono-elemental RMs analysed using two different analytical setups yielded isotopic compositions on δ²⁰²Hg of −3.54 ± 0.27‰ (CRPG-F65A, 2SD, n = 38) and +2.59 ± 0.19‰ (CRPG-RL24H, 2SD, n = 30) relative to the CRM NIST SRM 3133. These two RMs cover the whole range of Hg isotopic fractionation in natural samples and are made available to the scientific community. Complex fly ash and hydroxysulfate green rust matrices were synthesised, spiked with NIST SRM 3133, then digested and finally analysed versus the mono-elemental NIST SRM 3133 to show potential effect of these complex matrices during CV-MC-ICP-MS. Three digestions techniques, including traditional acid digestion, microwave digestion and high pressure-high temperature digestion, were applied to the lichen RM BCR-482 in order to compare advantages and drawbacks of these methods. Finally, the isotopic compositions of nine RMs including soils (NIST SRM 2711; GXR-2; GSS-4), sediment (GSD-10), jasperoid (GXR-1), ore deposit (GXR-3), fly ashes (BCR-176; BCR-176R) and lichen (BCR-482) are reported. These selected materials have δ²⁰²Hg values ranging from −1.75‰ to +0.11‰. Some RMs also presented mass-independent fractionation with Δ¹⁹⁹Hg and Δ²⁰¹Hg of up to −0.6‰.     

Chemical Separation and Isotopic Variations of Cu and Zn From Five Geological Reference Materials

This paper presents an adapted anion exchange column chemistry protocol which allowed separation of high-purity fractions of Cu and Zn from geological materials. Isobaric and non-spectral interferences were virtually eliminated for consequent multiple-collector ICP-MS analysis of the isotopic composition of these metals. The procedure achieved ∼ 100% recoveries, thus ensuring the absence of column-induced isotopic fractionation. By employing these techniques, we report isotopic analyses for Cu and Zn from five geological reference materials: BCR-027 blende ore (BCR), δ⁶⁵Cu = 0.52 ± 0.15‰ (n = 10) and δ⁶⁶Zn = 0.33 ± 0.07‰ (n = 8); BCR-030 calcined calamine ore (BCR), δ⁶⁶Zn = -0.06 ± 0.09‰ (n = 8); BCR-1 basalt (USGS), δ⁶⁶Zn = 0.29 ± 0.12‰ (n = 8); NOD-P-1 manganese nodule (USGS), δ⁶⁵Cu = 0.46 ± 0.08‰ (n = 10) and δ⁶⁶Zn = 0.78 ± 0.09‰ (n = 9); SU-1 Cu-Co ore (CCRMP), δ⁶⁵Cu = -0.018 ± 0.08‰ (n = 10) and δ⁶⁶Zn = 0.13 ± 0.17‰ (n = 6). All uncertainties are ± 2s; copper isotope ratios are reported relative to NIST SRM-976, and zinc isotope ratios relative to the Lyon-group Johnson Matthey metal (batch 3-0749 L) solution, JMC Zn. These values agree well with the limited data previously published, and with results reported for similar natural sample types. Samples were measured using a GVi IsoProbe MC-ICP-MS, based at the Natural History Museum, London. Long-term measurement reproducibility has been assessed by repeat analyses of both single element and complex matrix samples, and was commonly better than ± 0.07‰ for both δ⁶⁶Zn and δ⁶⁵Cu.     

A Common Reference Material for Cadmium Isotope Studies – NIST SRM 3108

Research into natural mass‐dependent stable isotope fractionation of cadmium has rapidly expanded in the past few years. Methodologies are diverse with MC‐ICP‐MS favoured by all but one laboratory, which uses thermal ionisation mass spectrometry (TIMS). To quantify the isotope fractionation and correct for instrumental mass bias, double‐spike techniques, sample‐calibrator bracketing or element doping has been used. However, easy comparison between data sets has been hampered by the multitude of in‐house Cd solutions used as zero‐delta reference in different laboratories. The lack of a suitable isotopic reference material for Cd is detrimental for progress in the long term. We have conducted a comprehensive round‐robin assay of NIST SRM 3108 and the Cd isotope offsets to commonly used in‐house reference materials. Here, we advocate NIST SRM 3108 both as an isotope standard and the isotopic reference point for Cd and encourage its use as ‘zero‐delta’ in future studies. The purity of NIST SRM 3108 was evaluated regarding isobaric and polyatomic molecular interferences, and the levels of Zn, Pd and Sn found were not significant. The isotope ratio ¹¹⁴Cd/¹¹⁰Cd for NIST SRM 3108 lies within ～ 10 ppm Da^?1 of best estimates for the Bulk Silicate Earth and is validated for all measurement technologies currently in use.     

Ultraviolet Laser Sampling and High Resolution Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry of NIST and BCR-2G Glass Reference Materials

A Merchantek LUV266 ^TM petrographic ultraviolet (UV) laser microprobe has been used in conjunction with a Finnigan MAT ELEMENT ^TM high resolution ICP double-focusing mass spectrometer (HR-ICP-MS) for solid microsampling and geochemical analysis. This new configuration for laser ablation has the advantage of coupling the high sensitivity and fast scanning technology applied in the ELEMENT with the ablation efficiency of a UV laser. Optimisation of the configuration on the synthetic NIST SRM 612 glass standard reference material using Q-switched UV laser energy of 2 mJ and a 5 Hz repetition rate demonstrates: (1) a linear element response factor throughout the mass spectrum, suggesting limited fractionation during laser ablation; (2) a high sensitivity and very low background noise for most elements of interest; (3) limits of detection ranging from 3 ng g-1 for Sc to 300 pg g-1 for U; (4) a flat topped peak shape suitable for precise isotopic measurements; and (5) a flat bottomed crater geometry which permits progressive ablation for the analysis of thin sections. Average precision and accuracy estimates based on replicate analyses of synthetic NIST standard reference material and USGS BCR-2G glasses are below 10% for most elements.     

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.     

GeoReM: A New Geochemical Database for Reference Materials and Isotopic Standards

We have developed a new database named GeoReM ( http://georem.mpch-mainz.gwdg.de ) for reference materials and isotopic standards of geochemical and mineralogical interest. Reference samples include rock powders originating from the USGS, GSJ, GIT-IWG, synthetic and natural reference glasses originating from NIST, USGS, MPI-DING, as well as mineral (e.g., 91500 zircon), isotopic (e.g., La Jolla, E&A, NIST SRM 981), river water and seawater reference materials. GeoReM is a relational database, which strongly follows the concept of the three EARTHCHEM databases. It contains published analytical and compilation values (major and trace element concentrations, radiogenic and stable isotope ratios), important metadata about the analytical values, such as uncertainty, uncertainty type, method and laboratory. Sample information and references are also included. Three different ways of interrogating the database are possible: (1) sample names or material types, (2) chemical criteria and (3) bibliography. Some typical applications are described. GeoReM currently (October 2005) contains more than 750 geological reference materials, 6000 individual sets of results and references to 650 publications.     

Development of Synthetic Clinopyroxene Reference Materials for In Situ Lithium Isotope Measurement by LA-MC-ICP-MS

The isotopic composition of lithium (Li) in clinopyroxene (Cpx), determined via in situ micro-analysis, has been employed as a potential geochemical tool for studying various geological processes such as crust-mantle recycling, silicate weathering and fluid-rock interaction. To obtain precise and accurate Li isotopic compositions in Cpx by LA-MC-ICP-MS, synthetic Cpx matrix-matched reference materials (RMs) were prepared in this study. Six Cpx-matrix RMs were prepared by mixing metallic oxides with GSP-2 (granodiorite) or pure L-SVEC solution and melting them into glasses (GSP-2 + oxide; L-SVEC + oxide). Two representative synthetic glasses, CPXA01 and CPXB01, were subjected to a series of analyses to investigate the possible qualification of the RMs for in situ Li isotope measurement by LA-MC-ICP-MS, including elemental homogeneity analysis (elemental mapping analysis and spot analysis), Li isotopic homogeneity analysis and accurate Li isotopic determination. The applicability of the synthetic Cpx-matrix RMs was highlighted by comparing the δ⁷Li values of three natural Cpx calibrated against the synthetic Cpx-matrix RMs and other commonly used RMs with different matrices (NIST SRM 612, BCR-2G, GOR128-G, StHs6/80-G, KL2-G and T1-G), respectively. Additionally, CPXB01-05 RMs with the same matrix but different Li contents were prepared to explore the Li content mismatch effect, which is significant for accurate determination of in situ Li isotopic composition by LA-MC-ICP-MS. The results of the cross-calibration of Li isotopes in CPXA01 and CPXB01 suggested no obvious Li isotopic fractionation between the two types of glasses (GSP-2 + oxide; L-SVEC + oxide). Thus, the two methods of producing Cpx-matrix RMs are suitable for preparing the matrix-matched RMs for in situ microanalysis for Li isotopes.     

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 THIRTY-TWO MAJOR AND TRACE ELEMENTS IN THREE NIST SOIL SRMS USING ICP-AES AND WDXRF

The National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) has recently released three soil standard reference materials that are uncontaminated (SRM 2709), moderately contaminated (SRM 2711), and highly contaminated (SRM 2710) with metals. The SRMs were analyzed at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) for thirty two major, minor and trace elements using a combination of wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (WDXRF) and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). Good agreement is observed between NIST certified values and USGS results. The wide concentration ranges for most transition metals should make these SRMs useful in assessing the accuracy of methods used in geochemical exploration and environmental studies.     

玄武岩标准样品铁铜锌同位素组成

报道了三种玄武岩标准样品(BCR-2、BIR-1a和GBW 07105)的铁铜锌同位素数据。实验使用HNO3-HF混合酸消解玄武岩标准样品;AGMP-1阴离子交换树脂分离提纯样品中的铜铁锌,利用多接收等离子体质谱仪(MC-ICPMS)测定铁铜锌同位素比值,分析过程中使用样品-标准-样品交叉法校正仪器的质量分馏。实验得到BCR-2、BIR-1a和GBW 07105标准样品的高精度铁铜锌同位素组成(95%置信水平的不确定度)分别为:δ56FeBCR-2-IRMM014=0.070‰±0.018‰(2SD),δ65 CuBCR-2-SRM976=0.16‰±0.04‰(2SD),δ66 ZnBCR-2-IRMM3702=-0.072‰±0.020‰(2SD);δ56 FeBIR-1a-IRMM014=0.044‰±0.026‰(2SD),δ65CuBIR-1a-SRM976=0.027‰±0.019‰(2SD),δ66 ZnBIR-1a-IRMM3702=0.085‰±0.032‰(2SD);δ56FeGBW 07105-IRMM014=0.126‰±0.039‰(2SD),δ65 CuGBW 07105-SRM976=0.12‰±0.01‰(2SD),δ66ZnGBW 07105-IRMM3702=0.22‰±0.03‰(2SD)。这些数据在误差(不确定度)范围内与国际上已发表的数据是一致的。三个玄武岩标准样品的铁铜锌同位素组成数据的发表为铁铜锌同位素研究提供了统一的标准,使地质样品的铁铜锌同位素数据的质量监控成为可能。     

Determination of Selenium Concentrations in NIST SRM 610, 612, 614 and Geological Glass Reference Materials Using the Electron Probe, LA-ICP-MS and SHRIMP II

A combination of EMPA, sensitive high resolution ion microprobe (SHRIMP II) and/or LA-ICP-MS techniques was used to measure the concentration of selenium (Se) in NIST SRM 610, 612, 614 and a range of reference materials. Our new compiled value for the concentration of Se in NIST SRM 610 is 112 ± 2 μg g⁻¹. The concentration of Se in NIST SRM 612, using NIST SRM 610 for calibration, determined using LA-ICP-MS (confirmed using SHRIMP II) was 15.2 ± 0.2 μg g⁻¹. The concentration of Se in NIST SRM 614, using LA-ICP-MS was 0.394 ± 0.012 μg g⁻¹. LA-ICP-MS determination of Se in synthetic geological glasses BCR-2G, BIR-1G, TB-1G and the MPI-DING glasses showed a range in concentrations from 0.062 to 0.168 μg g⁻¹. Selenium in the natural glass, VG2, was 0.204 ± 0.028 μg g⁻¹.     

Derivation of Recommended Values: An Opinion*

Two principal approaches are being used currently to develop reference samples used in geochemistry. The first is typified by work at The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to develop standard reference materials (SRMs) whose elemental concentrations are certified. All data is collected under stringent quality control (QC). Agreement between average results for replicated analyses (6≤n<20) obtained by two or more analysts using either a single, definitive method or independent methods of analysis is required for certification; a large number of laboratory/method average results is not. The United States Geological Survey (USGS), International Working Group (IWG), and others base recommended concentrations on larger sets of compiled data, which may or may not have been collected under similar conditions of QC. The derived recommended concentrations are updated periodically, on the assumption that recommended concentration quality improves as the size of the data base increases. That assumption is examined in this paper, and the general lack of statistically significant difference between original and updated concentration is demonstrated.     

Stable W Isotope Measurements of Geological Reference Materials and Tungsten Ore Minerals by Double Spike MC-ICP-MS

This study presents high-precision W isotopic measurement results using the ¹⁸⁰W-¹⁸³W double spike technique with MC-ICP-MS. The effects of isobaric and polyatomic interferences on W isotopic measurements were evaluated. The δ^186/184W values were not significantly affected when the solution had Hf/W ≤ 3 × 10^-4, Ta/W ≤ 1, Os/W ≤ 0.06, Ce/W ≤ 0.0075, Nd/W ≤ 3.5 and Sm/W ≤ 5. The intermediate measurement precisions of both standard solutions (NIST SRM 3163 and Alfa Aesar W) and geological reference materials (NOD-A-1) were better than ±0.024‰ (2s). We also obtained a precision of 0.026‰ for a minimum sample loading mass of 5 ng, allowing the analysis of samples with low W contents. Replicated measurements of geological reference materials (AGV-2, BCR-2, BHVO-2, GSP-2, RGM-1, SDC-1, NOD-A-1 and NOD-P-1) yielded δ^186/184W values ranging from 0.017‰ to 0.144‰. The δ^186/184W values of two major tungsten ore minerals (scheelite and wolframite) were reported and compared herein. Scheelites had systematically slightly heavier W isotopic compositions than wolframites, which may reflect differences in the crystal structure. The resolvable variations of stable/mass-dependent W isotopic compositions in rocks and ore minerals make W isotopes a novel tool for studying hydrothermal mineralisation processes and the W cycle of geological reservoirs.     

Natural Obsidian Glass as an External Accuracy Reference Material in Laser Ablation‐Inductively Coupled Plasma‐Mass Spectrometry

Compared with solution ICP‐MS, LA‐ICP‐MS studies have thus far reported comparatively few external reference data for accuracy estimates of experiments. This is largely the result of a paucity of available reference materials of natural composition. Here, we report an evaluation of natural glass (obsidian) as an inexpensive and widely available external reference material. The homogeneity of over forty elements in six different obsidian samples was assessed by LA‐ICP‐MS. Accuracy was tested with two obsidian samples that were fully characterised by electron probe microanalysis and solution ICP‐MS. Laser ablation experiments were performed with a variety of ablation parameters (fluence, spot sizes, ablation repetition rates) and calibration approaches (natural vs. synthetic reference materials, and different internal standard elements) to determine the best practice for obsidian analysis. Furthermore, the samples were analysed using two different laser wavelengths (193 nm and 213 nm) to compare the effect of potential ablation‐related phenomena (e.g., fractionation). Our data indicate that ablation with fluences larger than 6 J cm^?2 and repetition rates of 5 or 10 Hz resulted in the most accurate results. Furthermore, synthetic NIST SRM 611 and 612 glasses worked better as reference materials compared with lower SiO₂ content reference materials (e.g., BHVO‐2G or GOR128‐G). The very similar SiO₂ content of the NIST SRM glasses and obsidian (i.e., matrix and compositional match) seems to be the first‐order control on the ablation behaviour and, hence, the accuracy of the data. The use of different internal standard elements for the quantification of the obsidian data showed that Si and Na yielded accurate results for most elements. Nevertheless, for the analysis of samples with high SiO₂ concentrations, it is recommended to use Si as the internal standard because it can be more precisely determined by electron probe microanalysis. At the scale of typical LA analyses, the six obsidian samples proved to be surprisingly homogenous. Analyses with a spot size of 80 μm resulted in relative standard deviations (% RSD) better than 8% for all but the most depleted elements (e.g., Sc, V, Ni, Cr, Cu, Cd) in these evolved glasses. The combined characteristics render obsidian a suitable, inexpensive and widely available, external quality‐control material in LA‐ICP‐MS analysis for many applications. Moreover, obsidian glass is suited for tuning purposes, and well‐characterised obsidian could even be used as a matrix‐matched reference material for a considerable number of elements in studies of samples with high SiO₂ contents.     

Laser ablation multicollector ICPMS determination of δ11B in geological samples

A method for the in situ single spot δ¹¹B characterisation of geological materials with laser ablation multicollector ICP mass spectrometry (LA-MC-ICPMS) has been developed. The mass spectrometer was equipped with both Faradays and multiple ion counters. Four samples with different B contents (12–31,400 ppm) and isotopic compositions (δ¹¹B are between −8.71 and +13.6‰) were analysed. Samples include the B4 tourmaline and 3 MPI-DING glasses (StHs6/80-G, GOR132-G and GOR128-G).All sources of B isotopic fractionation during the analysis (mass bias, laser-induced isotopic fractionation and detector efficiency drift) have been evaluated and quantified. Instrumental mass bias is the major source of fractionation, altering the original isotopic ratio up to 13%. Fractionation related to laser sampling and transport to the ICP was found to be very low (less than 0.0015% s⁻¹). Fractionation effects due to drift in ion counter efficiencies were found to be significant. Nevertheless, the “standard-sample-standard” bracketing approach could be used to correct for the above fractionation effects using NIST SRM 610 as external standard.With spot sizes of 60–80 μm in diameter, geologically meaningful results can be achieved on samples containing at least 10 ppm B, i.e., results with precisions that can discriminate between the different reservoirs on Earth. Data obtained with Faraday detectors on NIST SRM 610 and B4 tourmaline show high precision (down to 0.04‰, 1σ) and accuracy. Boron isotope ratios measured in the glass samples using multiple ion counting show significantly higher standard deviations (up to 2.5‰, 1σ), but they are very close to the values that can be expected from counting statistics. No significant variations with spot size or B contents were observed. Most of the values are within 1σ level of the reference values.The developed method was applied to a series of ashes from Mt. Etna erupted in 1995 having B contents between 14 and 20 ppm. The B isotope compositions of the ashes are between −4.8 and −10.7‰, with a weighted average value of −8.0 ± 1.9‰ (1σ).     

Laser Ablation and Solution ICP-MS Determination of Rare Earth Elements in USGS BIR-1G, BHVO-2G and BCR-2G Glass Reference Materials

Data are reported for rare earth elements (REE) in three geological glass reference materials (BIR-1G, BHVO-2G and BCR-2G) using a UV (266 nm) laser ablation ICP-MS system and the classical (HF-HClO₄) acid decomposition method, followed by conventional nebulisation ICP-MS. External calibration of laser ablation analyses was performed using NIST SRM reference materials with internal standardisation using ²⁹Si and ⁴⁴Ca. Replicate analyses of reference basaltic glasses yielded an analytical precision of 1-5% (RSD) for all the elements by solution ICP-MS and 1-8% (RSD) by laser ablation ICP-MS. The relative differences between the REE concentrations measured by solution and laser ablation ICP-MS compared with the reference values were generally less than 11 % for most elements. The largest deviations occurred for La determined by solution ICP-MS in BIR-1G. The results of both solution and laser ablation ICP-MS agreed well, generally better than 7%, with the exception of La, Pr and Sm in BIR-1G. The measured REE laser ablation data for BIR-1G, BHVO-2G and BCR-2G agreed with the previously published data on these basaltic reference glasses, within a range of 0-10% for most elements. No significant influences were observed for the predicted spectral interferences on some REE isotopes in the analysis of basaltic glasses.     

Multi-collector ICP-MS Analysis of Pb Isotope Ratios in Rocks: Data, Procedure and Caution

The authors measured Pb isotope compositions of seven USGS rock reference standards, i.e. AGV-1, AGV-2, BHVO-1, BHVO-2, BCR-2, BER-1/1 and W-2, together with NBS 981 using a micromass isoprobe multi-collector inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometer (MC-ICP-MS) at the University of Queensland. 203Tl-205Tl isotopes were used as an internal standard to correct for mass-dependant isotopic fractionation. The results for both NBS 981 and USGS rock standards AGV-1 and BHVO-1 are comparable to or better than double- and triple-spike TIMS (thermal ionization mass spectrometry) data in precision. The data for BHVO-2 and, to a lesser extent, AGV-2 and BCR-2 are reproducibly higher for 206Pb/204Pb, 207Pb/204Pb and 208Pb/204Pb than double-spike TIMS data in the literature. The authors also obtained the Pb isotope data for BIR-1/1 and W-2, which may be used as reference values in future studies. It is found that linear correction for Pb isotopic fractionation is adequate with the results identical to those corre     

Natural Cadmium Isotopic Variations in Eight Geological Reference Materials (NIST SRM 2711, BCR 176, GSS-1, GXR-1, GXR-2, GSD-12, Nod-P-1, Nod-A-1) and Anthropogenic Samples, Measured by MC-ICP-MS

In this study, the Cd isotopic composition of various geological reference materials and anthropogenic samples was investigated. The measurements were made by multicollector ICP-MS and instrumental mass fractionation was controlled using a "sample-standard bracketing" technique. Cadmium isotopic data are reported relative to an internal Cd solution (Cd Spex) and expressed as the ¹¹⁴ Cd/¹¹⁰Cd delta value. Two other Cd solutions (Prolabo and JMC) were analysed and yielded the same 0% delta value. A fractionated Cd metal sample (Münster Cd) was used as a secondary reference material for Cd isotopic measurements and we obtained a ¹¹⁴ Cd/¹¹⁰ Cd delta value of 4.48% relative to Cd Spex solution. As opposed to multi-stage Cd purification previously published in the literature, a new one step anionic exchange purification using dilute HCl for the analysis of Cd isotopes in geological samples was developed. This method enabled a high recovery (> 95%) and effective separation of the sample matrix to be achieved. The long-term external reproducibility was evaluated at 0.12% (2 standard deviations) for the ¹¹⁴ Cd/¹¹⁰Cd ratio, based on reference solutions and replicated measurements of samples over one year. The variation of Cd isotopic composition of natural terrestrial samples is restricted to a small range of 0.4%, which is similar to previously reported results. In contrast, large variations of Cd isotopic composition were found for anthropogenic samples with values as low as −0.64% for a dust sample issued from a lead smelter and values as high as +0.50% for NIST SRM 2711 (metal-rich soil). These variations are 10 times larger than the reproducibility and suggest that Cd isotopes can be useful as tracers of anthropogenic sources of Cd in the environment.     

An Intercomparison Study of the Germanium Isotope Composition of Geological Reference Materials

Recent analytical developments in germanium stable isotope determination by multicollector ICP‐MS have provided new perspectives for the use of Ge isotopes as geochemical tracers. Here, we report the germanium isotope composition of the NIST SRM 3120a elemental reference solution that has been calibrated relative to internal isotopic standard solutions used in the previous studies. We also intercalibrate several geological reference materials as well as geological and meteoritic samples using different techniques, including online hydride generation and a spray chamber for sample introduction to MC‐ICP‐MS, and different approaches for mass bias corrections such as sample–calibrator bracketing, external mass bias correction using Ga isotopes and double‐spike normalisation. All methods yielded relatively similar precisions at around 0.1‰ (2s) for δ^74/70Ge values. Using igneous and mantle‐derived rocks, the bulk silicate Earth (BSE) δ^74/70Ge value was re‐evaluated to be 0.59 ± 0.18‰ (2s) relative to NIST SRM 3120a. Several sulfide samples were also analysed and yielded very negative values, down to ?4.3‰, consistent with recent theoretical study of Ge isotope fractionation. The strong heavy isotope depletion in ore deposits also contrasts with the generally positive Ge isotope values found in many modern and ancient marine sediments.