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.