Publication Type:

Journal Article

Authors:

Lawrence, Michael G.; Greig, Alan; Collerson, Kenneth D.; Kamber, Balz S.

Source:

Applied Geochemistry, Elsevier Ltd, Volume 21, Number 5, p.839-848 (2006)

ISBN:

08832927

Keywords:

Inductively coupled plasma, Mass spectrometry, Natural water geochemistry, Rare earth elements, Salinity measurement

Abstract:

A direct quadrupole ICP-MS technique has been developed for the analysis of the rare earth elements and yttrium in natural waters. The method has been validated by comparison of the results obtained for the river water reference material SLRS-4 with literature values. The detection limit of the technique was investigated by analysis of serial dilutions of SLRS-4 and revealed that single elements can be quantified at single-digit fg/g concentrations. A coherent normalised rare earth pattern was retained at concentrations two orders of magnitude below natural concentrations for SLRS-4, demonstrating the excellent inter-element accuracy and precision of the method. The technique was applied to the analysis of a diluted mid-salinity estuarine sample, which also displayed a coherent normalised rare earth element pattern, yielding the expected distinctive marine characteristics. 2006.

Notes:

Compilation and indexing terms, Copyright 2018 Elsevier Inc.<br/>2006189859280<br/>Dilutions<br/>Inter-element accuracy<br/>Mid-salinity estuarine sample