Precise determination of lead isotope ratios by MC-ICP-MS without matrix separation exemplified by unique samples of diverse origin and history
Literature Information
Jakub Karasiński, Ewa Bulska, Andrii Tupys, Barbara Wagner
This study evaluates the feasibility of using the internal standard (IS) method and optimized regression model (ORM) to determine lead isotope ratios without separating Pb from many different types of matrices. The effect of typical interferents at increasing concentrations was investigated using model samples. We have demonstrated that Pb isotope ratio measurements without matrix separation give equally accurate and precise results as those obtained with matrix separation. Finally we used a new protocol to measure the isotope ratio of Pb in environmental, geological and archaeological samples with very limited availability (3 mg) and low lead content (30 mg kg−1). Such samples have so far been problematic for MC-ICP-MS isotopic analysis due to the difficulties with separating such small amounts of lead using ion exchange resins. Lead isotope ratios were measured without separation of lead from the sample using two protocols. In the first, the internal standard method was used as a means of calibration. In the second, the optimized regression model was used. In this case there were no statistically significant differences between the protocols compared. Both approaches gave statistically similar results. The protocol using IS is recommended as it is significantly simpler and less laborious and consumes lower volumes of sample solution. The protocol we developed can be applied to a wide range of samples (following some recommendations). To demonstrate the usefulness of the new procedure, we applied it to different types of samples containing lead at different concentrations. In particular, we focused on historical samples because their availability is very limited and collecting a sufficiently large sample is always a major problem. Where possible, we compared our results with literature values. The new protocol, by eliminating the sample preparation step, allowed us to measure about four times more samples per day (about 12–15) compared to the classical method (with Pb separation using ion exchange resins). We also present, for the first time, a new method for the non-destructive sampling of manuscripts for isotopic analysis, involving the extraction of lead from the object into indicator papers soaked in 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline.
Related Literature
IF 6.222
Sensitive and specific detection of tumour cells based on a multivalent DNA nanocreeper and a multiplexed fluorescence supersandwichIF 6.222
Metal–organic frameworks: preparation and applications in highly efficient heterogeneous photocatalysisIF 6.367
Sugar ketals as a platform molecule to overcome the limitation of converting biomass into green-hydrocarbons in a typical refineryIF 6.367
Electrocatalytic cleavage of lignin model dimers using ruthenium supported on activated carbon clothIF 6.367
Front coverIF 6.843
Electrospun hydrogels for dynamic culture systems: advantages, progress, and opportunitiesIF 6.843
Pulsed laser rusted stainless steel: a robust electrode material applied for energy storage and generation applicationsIF 6.367
Retraction: Chemical synthesis and antigenic activity of a phosphatidylinositol mannoside epitope from Mycobacterium tuberculosisIF 6.222
Selective production of monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from ex situ catalytic fast pyrolysis of pine over the HZSM-5 catalyst with calcium formate as a hydrogen sourceIF 6.367
Source Journal
Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry

The Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry (JAAS) is the central journal for publishing innovative research on fundamentals, instrumentation, and methods in the determination, speciation and isotopic analysis of (trace) elements within all fields of application. This includes, but is not restricted to, the most recent progress, developments and achievements in all forms of atomic and elemental detection, isotope ratio determination, molecular analysis, plasma-based analysis and X-ray techniques. The journal welcomes full papers, communications, technical notes, critical and tutorial review articles, editorials, and comments, in addition to the Atomic Spectrometry Updates (ASU) literature reviews that are prepared by an expert panel. Submissions are welcome in the following areas, but note this list reflects the current scope and authors are strongly encouraged to contact the Editorial team if they believe that their work offers potentially new and emerging research relevant to the journal remit: Fundamental studies in the following. New and existing sources for atomic emission, absorption, fluorescence and mass spectrometry and those that provide both atomic and molecular information Sample introduction techniques for solids, liquids, gases Improvements in sensitivity, selectivity, precision, accuracy and/or robustness Isotope ratio measurements, including techniques for improving precision and mass bias correction Single channel and multichannel simultaneous detection systems Chemometrics, statistics, calibration techniques and internal standardisation Theoretical and numerical modelling of fundamental processes related to all of the above methodologies Novel or improved methodologies in areas of application including, but not limited to the following. Biosciences, including elemental, speciation and isotopic analysis in biological systems, immunoassays based on metal-labeled antibodies, bio-imaging, and nanoparticle toxicology Geochemistry Environmental science Materials science, including engineered nanoparticles and quantum dots Metrology, including reference materials Forensic analysis Food and agricultural sciences Energy Archaeometry Molecular analysis. Molecular sources for elemental and isotopic analysis Atomic sources for molecular analysis Atomic and molecular techniques simultaneously used for complementary chemical information All contributions are judged on originality and quality of scientific content, and appropriateness of length to content of new science.