High-Resolution LA-ICP-MS for Accurate Determination of Low Abundances of K, Sc and Other Trace Elements in Geological Samples

Laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) was used to determine K, Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni and Zn in geological samples. Because the isotopes of these elements and the internal standard element (Ca) often have interferences from molecular ions when determined using quadrupole or sector-field ICP-MS in low mass resolution mode, ion intensities were measured at a high mass resolution of 4000. We investigated dynamic element fractionation, type and abundance of molecular ions using different geological reference materials. Highly resolved mass spectra were especially important for accurate low-abundance measurements. As a result, maximum "critical" concentration limits for each isotope were obtained, where a mass resolution of 4000 was necessary for reliable LA-ICP-MS analysis. To test the LA-ICP-MS technique, different international reference material glasses and powdered rock reference materials were analysed. Rock powders were fused to glass beads using an Ir-strip heater. Nearly all concentration values for the reference materials agreed with the reference values at the 95% confidence level. To demonstrate routine LA-ICP-MS analysis at a mass resolution of 4000, trace element data for Hawaiian basalts are also presented.     

NEW REFERENCE MATERIALS FOR NITROGEN-ISOTOPE-RATIO MEASUREMENTS

Three new reference materials were manufactured for calibration of relative stable nitrogen-isotope-ratio measurements:
USGS25 (ammonium sulfate) δ615"=−30 per mil
USGS26 (ammonium sulfate) δ615"=+54 per mil
USGS32 (potassium nitrate) δ615"=+180 per mil
where δN', relative to atmospheric nitrogen, is an approximate value subject to change following interlaboratory comparisons. These materials are isotopically homogeneous in aliquots at least as small as 10 pot N, (or about 1-2 mg of salt). The new reference materials greatly extend the range of δ15N values of internationally distributed standards, and they allow normalization of δ15N measurements over almost the full range of known natural isotope variation on Earth. The methods used to produce these materials may be adapted to produce homogeneous local laboratory standards for routine use.     

近30年来我国地质分析重要成果评介

从地质标准物质体系的建立、X射线荧光分析成为岩矿全分析的主导方法、电感耦合等离子体光谱－质谱成为现代地质分析的支柱、化探配套方法的形成与发展、野外现场分析技术、贵金属元素分析、微区痕量分析及元素分布特征研究新技术、Re/Os同位素年代学方法及其应用、海洋地球化学分析方法体系及标准物质体系的形成等九个方面列举、评介了近30年来较重要的地质分析成果,说明成果产生的历史条件、意义与影响、成果的获得及给人的启示。最后就我国地质分析的当前热点及未来发展提出了看法。     

Rubidium Isotope Ratios of International Geological Reference Materials

In this study we determined rubidium isotope ratios in twenty-one commonly used international geological reference materials, including igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, as well as an IAPSO seawater reference material. All δ⁸⁷Rb results were obtained relative to the NIST SRM 984 reference material. For most reference materials, Rb was purified using a single column loaded with Sr-spec resin. For reference materials containing low Rb but high mass fractions of matrix elements (such as basic rock and seawater), Rb was purified using two-column chromatography, with the first column packed with AGMP-50 resin and the second column packed with Sr-spec resin. Two methods for instrumental mass bias correction, sample-standard bracketing (SSB) mode, and the combined sample-standard bracketing and Zr internal normalisation (C-SSBIN) method, were compared for Rb isotopic measurements by multi-collector inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS). The long-term reproducibility of Rb isotopic measurements using both methods was similar, better than 0.06‰ (2s, standard deviation) for NIST SRM 984. Significant Rb isotopic fractionation was observed among the reference materials, with an overall variation in δ⁸⁷Rb values of approximately 0.5‰. The δ⁸⁷Rb values of igneous rocks ranged from -0.28‰ to +0.06‰, showing a trend from heavier isotopic compositions in mafic rocks to lighter δ⁸⁷Rb values in the more evolved felsic rocks. The sedimentary and metamorphic rocks had Rb isotope ratios similar to those of igneous rocks. The δ⁸⁷Rb values of the reference materials related to low-temperature geological processes showed a wider range than those of high-temperature processes. Notably, the IAPSO seawater reference material had a δ⁸⁷Rb value of +0.14‰, which deviated from that of igneous rocks, and represents the heaviest reservoir of Rb isotopes found thus far on Earth. The comprehensive dataset presented here has the potential to serve for quality assurance purposes, and provide a framework for interlaboratory comparisons of Rb isotope ratios.     

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.     

Application of the stable-isotope system to the study of sources and fate of Hg in the environment: A review

With the improvement of analytical methods and the development of multiple-collector inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (MC-ICP/MS), research on non-traditional stable isotope (Cu, Zn, Fe, Se, Mo, Cr, Hg) in geochemistry has made tremendous progress in the past decade. Recent studies have demonstrated that both organic and inorganic reactions may cause Hg isotope fractionation, and variations of Hg isotopic composition in the environment have been successfully employed to explain Hg pollution history, Hg sources and tracking Hg pathways in nature. Furthermore, Hg isotopic fractionation studies can be a powerful tool in the calibration of global Hg cycling models. Stable isotope geochemistry of Hg is therefore becoming a new frontier subject in earth sciences. Based on summarizing previous research, this paper outlines the main advances in the study of Hg stable isotopes with particular emphasis placed on a brief explanation of Hg isotope analytical techniques, possible Hg isotope fractionation mechanisms observed in both natural and experimental processes, Hg isotope composition variations in different environmental matrices, and the application prospects of the Hg stable isotopes in environmental geosciences.     

Intercalibration of Mg Isotope Delta Scales and Realisation of SI Traceability for Mg Isotope Amount Ratios and Isotope Delta Values

The continuous improvement of analytical procedures using multi‐collector technologies in ICP‐mass spectrometry has led to an increased demand for isotope standards with improved homogeneity and reduced measurement uncertainty. For magnesium, this has led to a variety of available standards with different quality levels ranging from artefact standards to isotope reference materials certified for absolute isotope ratios. This required an intercalibration of all standards and reference materials, which we present in this interlaboratory comparison study. The materials Cambridge1, DSM3, ERM‐AE143, ERM‐AE144, ERM‐AE145, IRMM‐009 and NIST SRM 980 were cross‐calibrated with expanded measurement uncertainties (95% confidence level) of less than 0.030‰ for the δ^25/24Mg values and less than 0.037‰ for the δ^26/24Mg values. Thus, comparability of all magnesium isotope delta (δ) measurements based on these standards and reference materials is established. Further, ERM‐AE143 anchors all magnesium δ‐scales to absolute isotope ratios and therefore establishes SI traceability, here traceability to the SI base unit mole. This applies especially to the DSM3 scale, which is proposed to be maintained. With ERM‐AE144 and ERM‐AE145, which are product and educt of a sublimation–condensation process, for the first time a set of isotope reference materials is available with a published value for the apparent triple isotope fractionation exponent θ_app, the fractionation relationship ln α(^25/24Mg)/ln α(^26/24Mg).     

Preparation and Certification of Reference Materials (GBW07397, GBW07398, GBW07399 and GBW07400) for Selenium and Other Trace Element Mass Fractions

The preparation and characterisation of certified reference materials of four selenium‐rich rocks (GBW07397 to GBW07400) are described in this paper. The raw materials were derived from selenium‐rich rocks in two famous seleniferous regions, Enshi Prefecture, Hubei Province and Ziyang County, Shaanxi Province, China. Sample homogeneity and stability were tested by inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry and atomic fluorescence spectrometry. The determined element mass fractions included selenium, arsenic, copper, zinc, molybdenum, cadmium, lead, vanadium and silver. Except for silver, the results of analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the relative standard deviations of the element mass fractions showed that the four materials exhibited good homogeneity and stability. Ten laboratories were involved in an interlaboratory comparison scheme for certification. Eight element mass fractions in the selenium‐rich rocks were assigned as certified values, while only indicative values were obtained for Ag mass fractions. The certified values and expanded uncertainties for the selenium mass fractions in GBW07397–GBW07400 are 0.96 ± 0.05, 1.03 ± 0.05, 49 ± 4 and 38.5 ± 1.9 μg g^?1, respectively.     

A review of isotopic composition as an indicator of the natural and anthropogenic behavior of mercury

There are seven stable isotopes of Hg that can be fractionated as a result of inorganic and organic interactions. Important inorganic reactions involve speciation changes resulting from variations in environmental redox conditions, and phase changes resulting from variations in temperature and/or atmospheric pressure. Important organic reactions include methylation and demethylation, reactions that are bacterially mediated, and complexing with organic anions in soils. The measurement of Hg isotopes by multi-collector-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS) is now sufficiently precise and sensitive that it is potentially possible to develop the systematics of Hg isotopic fractionation. This provides an opportunity to evaluate the utility of Hg isotopes in identifying source processes, transport mechanisms, and sinks. New values are provided for, ²⁰¹Hg/¹⁹⁸Hg, ²⁰⁰Hg/¹⁹⁸Hg, ¹⁹⁹Hg/¹⁹⁸Hg for three standard materials (IRMM-AE639, SRM 1641c, SRM 3133) that can be used to make inter-laboratory data comparisons, and these values are tabulated with published isotopic information. Overall, the isotopic data for these standards agree to approximately 0.2‰. The paper reviews Hg isotope studies that deal with hydrothermal ore deposits, sediments, coal and organic complexing.     

Isotope Ratio Determination in the Earth and Environmental Sciences: Developments and Applications in 2003

This annual review documents developments and applications in the field of isotope ratio determination, as reflected in the literature for the Earth and environmental sciences for the year 2003. Particular emphasis is placed upon the relationship between the two dominant analytical techniques-thermal ionisation mass spectrometry (TIMS) and multi-collector inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS)-and the rapidly changing nature of their roles in isotope analysis. Additionally, the review covers developments in single-collector ICP-MS and TOF technologies, new sample preparation procedures and the characterisation of isotopic reference materials, together with fundamental investigations of mass spectrometer performance.     

Precise Determination of Cadmium, Indium and Tellurium Using Multiple Collector ICP-MS

New sample preparation and ion-exchange separation methods as well as instrumental measurement protocols were established for the determination of trace-level Cd, In, and Te concentrations in geological materials by isotope-dilution mass spectrometry. High precision isotope ratio measurements were performed with a multiple collector inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer (MC-ICP-MS). The mass biases incurred for In and Te were corrected by adding and monitoring Pd and Sb standard solutions, respectively. Mass fractionation of Cd was corrected by using the mass fractionation factor calculated from the measurement of a standard solution. The measurement precision was better than 1 % for Cd, In and Te. Detection limits were < 1 ng g^-1 for Cd, < 0.02 ng g^-1 for In and Te. Using these new analytical techniques, the concentrations of Cd, In and Te were determined in six international geological reference materials. Concentrations could be reproduced within 3% for Cd, 4% for In and 10% for Te. Sample heterogeneity and volatility problems might have been the reason for the relatively large differences between Te replicates. Our results displayed excellent reproducibility compared with those of other techniques and agree well with data from previously published recommended values.     

Synthesis and Preliminary Characterisation of New Silicate, Phosphate and Titanite Reference Glasses

Eleven synthetic silicate and phosphate glasses were prepared to serve as reference materials for in situ microanalysis of clinopyroxenes, apatite and titanite, and other phosphate and titanite phases. Analytical results using different micro-analytical techniques showed that the glass fragments were homogeneous in major and trace elements down to the micrometre scale. Trace element determinations using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), multi-collector inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS), laser-ablation inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) and secondary ionisation mass spectrometry (SIMS) showed good agreement for most elements (Li, Be, B, Cs, Rb, Ba, Sr, Ga, Pb, U, Th, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Zr, Hf, Ta, Nb) studied and provide provisional recommended values.     

Determination of Platinum-Group Elements in Geological Reference Materials by High Resolution-ICP-MS after Nickel Sulfide Fire-Assay Collection and Te Co-Precipitation

Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) after NiS fire assay-Te co-precipitation was employed in the determination of Ru, Rh, Pd, Os, Ir and Pt at ng g^-1 levels in six platinum-group element (PGE) geological reference materials. In general, the average of several results was in good agreement with the certified values taking into account respective uncertainties. High relative standard deviations were observed for the reference materials GPt-3 and GPt-4. Problems associated with the NiS fire assay procedure and PGE determination at the sub-10 ng g^-1 level are reviewed and discussed.     

Production and Certification of the Reference Material GSB 04‐3258‐2015 as a 143Nd/144Nd Isotope Ratio Reference

A new certified reference material, labelled GSB 04‐3258‐2015, for use as a ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd isotope ratio reference has been prepared by the Institute of Geology, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Beijing. Standardization Administration of the People's Republic of China provided the certification for this reference material. This report presents the reference ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd isotope ratio and supporting production and certification procedures. The reference value was determined by an interlaboratory comparison of results from eleven participating laboratories using MC‐TIMS or MC‐ICP‐MS. The calibration of mass fractionation was conducted by using the exponential law, and the ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd isotope ratios were normalised to the ¹⁴⁶Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd isotope ratio value of 0.7219. Isobaric interference of ¹⁴⁴Sm on ¹⁴⁴Nd was corrected using an interference‐free ¹⁴⁷Sm/¹⁴⁹Sm isotope ratio value for mass fractionation. GSB 04‐3258‐2015 shows sufficient homogeneity and stability for use as an international isotopic reference material. The certified value was calculated from the unweighted means of the results submitted by the participating laboratories. The ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd isotope ratio value for GSB 04‐3258‐2015 is 0.512438, with a combined expanded uncertainty (k = 2) of 5 × 10^?6. Reference material GSB 04‐3258‐2015 is available upon request from the Institute of Geology, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, and may be used for accurate interlaboratory calibration of Nd isotope analysis.     

High‐Mg# Olivine,Clinopyroxene and Orthopyroxene Reference Materials for In Situ Oxygen Isotope Determination

Secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) requires matrix‐matched reference materials to calibrate mass fractionation during oxygen isotope measurement. Over one thousand SIMS oxygen isotope measurements were conducted on eleven natural mineral samples (five olivines, three clinopyroxenes and three orthopyroxenes) in nineteen sessions using CAMECA IMS 1280 SIMS instruments to evaluate their potential as SIMS reference materials. The obtained results reveal oxygen isotope homogeneity of these samples. No matrix effect was measured for the same variety of mineral samples with limited Mg‐number variations (89.6–94.2, 90–91.9 and 90.1–92.1 for olivine, clinopyroxene and orthopyroxene, respectively). The recommended oxygen isotope compositions of these samples were determined using laser fluorination. These samples are therefore suitable to be used as reference materials for in situ oxygen isotope microanalysis.     

An Inter-Laboratory Assessment of the Thorium Isotopic Composition of Synthetic and Rock Reference Materials

We present a concerted international effort to cross-calibrate five synthetic Th isotope reference materials (UCSC Th "A", OU Th "U", WUN, IRMM-35 and IRMM-36), and six rock reference materials (UCSC TML, Icelandic ATHO, USGS BCR-2, USGS W-2, USGS BHVO-2, LV18) using multi-collector inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS). We then compare our new values with a compilation of literature mass spectrometric data for these reference materials and derive recommended "consensus"²³⁰Th/²³²Th values for each. We also present isotope dilution U and Th concentration data for four rock reference materials (UCSC TML, Icelandic ATHO, USGS BCR-2, USGS W-2).     

Preparation and Certification of Re-Os Dating Reference Materials: Molybdenites HLP and JDC

Two Re-Os dating reference material molybdenites were prepared. Molybdenite JDC and molybdenite HLP are from a carbonate vein-type molybdenum-(lead)-uranium deposit in the Jinduicheng-Huanglongpu area of Shaanxi province, China. The samples proved to be homogeneous, based on the coefficient of variation of analytical results and an analysis of variance test. The sampling weight was 0.1 g for JDC and 0.025 g for HLP. An isotope dilution method was used for the determination of Re and Os. Sample decomposition and pre-concentration of Re and Os prior to measurement were accomplished using a variety of methods: acid digestion, alkali fusion, ion exchange and solvent extraction. Negative thermal ionisation mass spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry were used for the determination of Re and ¹⁸⁷Os concentration and isotope ratios. The certified values include the contents of Re and Os and the model ages. For HLP, the Re content was 283.8 ± 6.2 μg g⁻¹, ¹⁸⁷Os was 659 ± 14 ng g⁻¹ and the Re-Os model age was 221.4 ± 5.6 Ma. For JDC, the Re content was 17.39 ± 0.32 μg g⁻¹, ¹⁸⁷Os was 25.46 ± 0.60 ng g⁻¹ and the Re-Os model age was 139.6 ± 3.8 Ma. Uncertainties for both certified reference materials are stated at the 95% level of confidence. Three laboratories (from three countries: PR. China, USA, Sweden) joined in the certification programme. These certified reference materials are primarily useful for Re-Os dating of molybdenite, sulfides, black shale, etc.     

A Preliminary Appraisal of Seven Natural Zircon Reference Materials for In Situ Hf Isotope Determination

There is a growing need for new zircon reference materials for in situ Hf-isotope analysis by laser ablation-multicollector inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-MC-ICP-MS). In this contribution we document the results of a preliminary investigation of seven natural zircons, conducted in order to test their suitability in this regard. Solution MC-ICP-MS data on separated Lu and Hf fractions provided reference compositional data while the results of ca. 750 in situ LA-MC-ICP-MS analyses allowed assessment of potential micrometre-scale heterogeneity. On the basis of these analyses and additional relevant considerations such as availability, size and (Lu)Yb/Hf ratio, we suggest that, of the currently available zircons, Temora-2 and Mud Tank are most likely to provide robust reference materials for Hf isotope determinations both at the present time and into the future. The former has the advantage of also being well-characterised for U-Th-Pb systematics and suitable for in situ age determination, while the latter is the most readily available and is of very large grain size. Additional materials such as BR266, and 91500, although limited in supply, show more consistent Lu/Hf ratios and are thus of use in monitoring elemental fractionation during ICP-MS analysis.     

Tourmaline Reference Materials for the In Situ Analysis of Oxygen and Lithium Isotope Ratio Compositions

Three tourmaline reference materials sourced from the Harvard Mineralogical and Geological Museum (schorl 112566, dravite 108796 and elbaite 98144), which are already widely used for the calibration of in situ boron isotope measurements, are characterised here for their oxygen and lithium isotope compositions. Homogeneity tests by secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) showed that at sub‐nanogram test portion masses, their ¹⁸O/¹⁶O and ⁷Li/⁶Li isotope ratios are constant within ± 0.27‰ and ± 2.2‰ (1s), respectively. The lithium mass fractions of the three materials vary over three orders of magnitude. SIMS homogeneity tests showed variations in ⁷Li/²⁸Si between 8% and 14% (1s), which provides a measure of the heterogeneity of the Li contents in these three materials. Here, we provide recommended values for δ¹⁸O, Δ’¹⁷O and δ⁷Li for the three Harvard tourmaline reference materials based on results from bulk mineral analyses from multiple, independent laboratories using laser‐ and stepwise fluorination gas mass spectrometry (for O), and solution multi‐collector inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectroscopy (for Li). These bulk data also allow us to assess the degree of inter‐laboratory bias that might be present in such data sets. This work also re‐evaluates the major element chemical composition of the materials by electron probe microanalysis and investigates these presence of a chemical matrix effect on SIMS instrumental mass fractionation with regard to δ¹⁸O determinations, which was found to be < 1.6‰ between these three materials. The final table presented here provides a summary of the isotope ratio values that we have determined for these three materials. Depending on their starting mass, either 128 or 512 splits have been produced of each material, assuring their availability for many years into the future.     

激光剥蚀-等离子体质谱技术及其在地球化学宇宙化学和环境研究中的应用

激光剥蚀-等离子体质谱(LA-ICPMS)已成为地球化学、宇宙化学和环境研究领域元素和同位素原位分析最重要的技术之一。文章介绍了多种类型的质谱仪及其使用的激光器。用途最广的LA-ICPMS仪器之一是单接收器扇形磁场质谱仪,配有Nd:YAG激光剥蚀系统(激光波长分为193 nm和213 nm两种),MPI Mainz实验室使用的就是这套系统,文章对此作一详细介绍。文中阐述了数据优化技术及其多种校正过程;介绍LA-ICPMS在痕量元素和同位素分析领域的一些应用,包括参考物质的研制,Hawaiian玄武岩、Martian陨石、生物骨针和珊瑚虫中痕量元素分析及熔融包裹体和富钙-铝碳质球粒陨石中的铅和锶同位素测量。