New sequential separation procedure for Sr, Nd and Pb isotope ratio measurement in geological material using MC-ICP-MS and TIMS

Abstract

A new 3-step sequential separation chemistry for Sr, Nd and Pb from silicate samples, which is suitable for isotope analysis by MC-ICP-MS as well as TIMS, has been developed. The chemistry is designed to minimize the number of evaporation steps, enabling high throughput especially when MC-ICP-MS is employed. The sample solution in 0.5 mol l^-1 HNO₃ after digestion with HF-HClO₄, which is prepared for trace element analysis, can be directly used in the new chemistry. In the first column using Sr resin, Sr and Pb are collected. The recovered solution for Sr can be directly aspirated into MC-ICP-MS. The Pb solution is dried, re-dissolved, separated into two aliquots and measured by double spike MC-ICP-MS. Subsequently, LREEs are collected by the second column packed with cation exchange resin. Finally, Nd was purified from Sm using Ln resin in the third column. The recovered Nd solution can also be directly nebulized into MC-ICP-MS. The Sr and Nd isotope ratios for the standard material JB-3 (basalt) from the Geological Survey of Japan by MC-ICP-MS and TIMS were reported to verify the chemistry and mass spectrometry developed in this study.