Minireview: Advances in Germanium Isotope Analysis by Multiple Collector–Inductively Coupled Plasma–Mass Spectrometry

The advent of multiple collector–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS) has made the high-precision determination of Ge isotopes possible, which leads to the widespread application of Ge isotopes in earth, ocean, and cosmochemistry fields. This paper reviews the history of Ge isotope analysis, chemical dissolution and purification, and mass spectrometry measurements. Concentrated HNO₃ is sufficient to dissolve nearly all types of samples and HF is also involved for Si-rich samples. Low-temperature ashing prior to dissolution is an alternative way to preconcentrate Ge in organic-rich samples. For different matrices, Ge isotopes can be determined by MC-ICP-MS coupled with a traditional nebulizer system or hydride generation system after two-step separation, one step cation/anion-exchange separation, or Mg/Fe co-precipitation protocols. Ion-exchange column methods are suitable for samples with elevated matrix and Ge content such as sulfides, iron oxides, silicate rocks, and coals, whereas Mg or Fe coprecipitation methods are particularly suitable for all kinds of water. Hydride generation systems are improved over traditional nebulizer system due to the smaller sample quantity and fewer matrix-related interferences. Sample-standard bracketing, double spike, and external Ga isotope normalization are used to mass bias correction and yield consistent results. Analytical methods involving Ge-poor samples and Ge isotope analyses based on different Ge species or specific Ge compound in natural environment will be important prospects in the further study. For further applications of Ge isotopes in mineral deposits such as sulfide and iron oxide deposits, sulfides, and iron oxides reference materials should be developed in the future.     

Precise determination of lithium isotopes in seawater using MC-ICP-MS

Li (lithium) isotope analysis using MC-ICP-MS is a very powerful tracer measurement method. This is widely used for identification of Li isotopes in many fields of study. This useful method, however, has an effect on the natural Li isotope background. This is impacted by the instrument matrix. In this study, we show that the MC-ICP-MS condition is characterized by both a low baseline background and a high-sensitivity distance at Ar plasma condition. In addition, the Li isotope ratio was measured by the use of experimental conditions that were superior to both the general plasma condition and those used in other studies. The samples were subjected to both acid leaching and a cation exchange resin (Bio-Rad AG 50 W-X8 200–400 mesh) modified for seawater samples. The isotope variations were corrected using the bracket method, the measured Li isotope ratio of sample, and the mean ratios of the L-SVEC standard (NIST L-SVEC Li₂CO₃) measured before and after the sample run. The isotope variation was presented as the deviation (per mil) of the measured ratio from that of the recommended value.     

Matrix effects on the multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometric analysis of high-precision cadmium and zinc isotope ratios

Resin-derived contaminants added to samples during column chemistry are shown to cause matrix effects that lead to inaccuracy in multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry measurement of small natural variations in Cd and Zn isotopic compositions. These matrix effects were evaluated by comparing pure Cd and Zn standards and standards doped with bulk column blank from the anion exchange chromatography procedure. Doped standards exhibit signal enhancements (Cd, Ag, Zn and Cu), instrumental mass bias changes and inaccurate isotopic compositions relative to undoped standards, all of which are attributed to the combined presence of resin-derived organics and inorganics. The matrix effect associated with the inorganic component of the column blanks was evaluated separately by doping standards with metals at the trace levels detected in the column blanks. Mass bias effects introduced by the inorganic column blank matrix are smaller than for the bulk column blank matrix but can still lead to significant changes in ion signal intensity, instrumental mass bias and isotopic ratios. Chemical treatment with refluxed HNO₃ or HClO₄/HNO₃ removes resin-derived organic components resulting in matrix effects similar in magnitude to those associated with the inorganic component of the column blank.Mass bias correction using combined external normalization-SSB does not correct for these matrix effects because the instrumental mass biases experienced by Cd and Zn are decoupled from those of Ag and Cu, respectively. Our results demonstrate that ion exchange chromatography and associated resin-derived contaminants can be a source of error in MC-ICP-MS measurement of heavy stable element isotopic compositions.     

Selected isotope ratio measurements of light metallic elements (Li, Mg, Ca, and Cu) by multiple collector ICP-MS

The unique capabilities of multiple collector inductively coupled mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS) for high precision isotope ratio measurements in light elements as Li, Mg, Ca, and Cu are reviewed in this paper. These elements have been intensively studied at the Geological Survey of Israel (GSI) and other laboratories over the past few years, and the methods used to obtain high precision isotope analyses are discussed in detail. The scientific study of isotopic fractionation of these elements is significant for achieving a better understanding of geochemical and biochemical processes in nature and the environment.     

Direct separation of boron from Na- and Ca-rich matrices by sublimation for stable isotope measurement by MC-ICP-MS

An improved technique for precise and accurate determination of boron isotopic composition in Na-rich natural waters (groundwater, seawater) and marine biogenic carbonates was developed. This study used a ‘micro-sublimation’ technique to separate B from natural sample matrices in place of the conventional ion-exchange extraction. By adjusting analyte to appropriate pH, quantitative recovery of boron can be achieved (>98%) and the B procedural blank is limited to <8 pg. An additional mass bias effect in MC-ICP-MS was observed which could not be improved via the standard-sample-standard bracketing or the ‘pseudo internal’ normalization by Li. Therefore a standard other than NBS SRM 951 was used to monitor plasma condition in order to maintain analytical accuracy. An isotope cross-calibration with results from TIMS shows that the space-charge mass bias on MC-ICP-MS can be successfully corrected using off-line mathematical manipulation. Several reference materials, including the seawater IAPSO and two groundwater standards IAEA-B-2 and IAEA-B-3, were used to validate this approach. We found that the δ¹¹B of the reference coral JCp-1 was 24.22 ± 0.28‰, corresponding to seawater pH based on the coral δ¹¹B-pH function.     

基体分离/MC-ICP-MS测定树皮表层235U/238U同位素比率

分别从日本广岛和京都采集了香樟树(Cinnamomum camphora)树皮样品共12份,用X射线能谱仪研究了树皮表层基体元素组成,并用扫描电镜观察了树皮表层微观形貌.将树皮表层样品进行干灰化法处理后,采用DOWEX(R)1-X8型阴离子交换树脂分离基体元素,然后用多接收器电感耦合等离子体质谱仪(MC-ICP-MS)测定了树皮表层235U/238U同位素比率.研究结果表明:树皮表层主要基体元素为Al,Ca,Fe,K,Mg,Si和C,O,S;采用不同浓度硝酸淋洗DOWEX(R) 1-X8型阴离子交换树脂可实现树皮表层痕量U与基体元素的有效分离.与京都树皮表层相比,广岛树皮表层不仅U含量显著偏高(P=0.012),而且部分样品235U/238U同位素比率亦略高于其自然丰度比.     

Assessment of ultrasound-assisted extraction as sample pre-treatment for the measurement of lead isotope ratios in marine biological tissues by multicollector inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry

In this work, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) was evaluated as a sample preparation procedure for lead isotope ratio measurements in marine biological tissues by multicollector inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. 20 mg of marine biological tissue and 1 mL of acid extractant were sonicated for 3 min at 60% ultrasound amplitude. Matrix separation was performed in the supernatant using a chromatographic exchange resin (Sr-Spec™). Total elimination of organic matter was achieved during the separation step. Microwave-assisted digestion and dry-ashing were used for comparative purposes. No significant differences were found in lead isotope ratios at 95% of confidence level. UAE emerges as an advantageous alternative to classical methods for sample preparation owing to its simplicity and rapidity (i.e. operation steps were reduced), low reagent consumption and low contamination risks.     

Accurate measurement of neodymium isotopic composition using Neptune MC-ICP-MS

This paper reports the measurement of the Neodymium isotopic composition by Neptune Multiple Collector Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS) over the last two years. Although there is concomitant Cerium in the chemical separation process, this has no significant influence on the Neodymium analysis. As for the sample containing small amounts of Samarium (Sm/Nd < 0.04), direct calibration for isobaric interference and mass discrimination by the exponential law can be obtained by assuming that Samarium mass discrimination is the same as that of Neodymium. Geological samples after traditional chemical separation were measured by Neptune MC-ICP-MS and Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometry (TIMS) respectively. The results show that Neptune MC-ICP-MS can measure Neodymium isotopic composition as precisely the TIMS does and is even more effective and less time-consuming than the TIMS Method. __________ Translated from Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry, 2007, 35(1): 71–74 [译自: 分析化学]     

地热水锂组分快捷分离纯化及同位素测定

锂是一种战略性矿产资源, 青藏高原蕴藏着富锂地热水, 锂同位素可以用来示踪其物质来源和演化过程。本文采用AG50W-X8阳离子交换树脂对地热水锂组分进行了快捷分离纯化, 建立了利用多接收电感耦合等离子质谱仪(MC-ICP-MS)测定锂同位素的方法。移取适量的地热水样品加热蒸干, 转化成0.20 mol/L HCl溶液后上柱, 继续使用0.20 mol/L HCl纯化锂组分。当洗脱液中Na/Li比值≤1.2且锂的回收率超过99%时, 可以在MC-ICP-MS上直接测定锂同位素比值。应用该方法测定了标准物质L-SVEC、IRMM-016和标准海水IAPSO的δ7Li值, 结果分别为0.01±0.34‰、-0.02±0.46‰和30.75±0.35‰, 与推荐值相符合。利用L-SVEC配制的标准溶液检查了MC-ICP-MS的长期稳定性, 外精度要好于0.4‰ (2σ)。在测定青藏高原地热水样品时, 本方法获得了准确的δ7Li值, 可为青藏高原富锂地热水的成因机制研究提供技术支撑。