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Eingeladener Vortrag
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This Report describes the certification of the reference material antimony implanted in Si/SiO2 intended to be used for calibration of surface and near surface analytical methods. It describes the preparation, homogeneity measurements and the analytical work performed for the certification of both Areal density of antimony Atoms (retained dose) and the isotope amount Ratio as well as giving considerations on the stability of the material.
HIIRM final report
(2002)
Accurate analytical results have become more and more an absolute essential tool for further progresses in technology and science. Precision however, often used in this context as a quality criterion for analytical methods, is not a replacement for accuracy in any way. Therefore, analytical procedures are necessary, which will generate reliable and accurate results and can be used for evaluation of other analytical procedures and certification of reference materials (RM). Especially the certification of reference materials for the amount content of trace elements requires highly accurate results with a small combined uncertainty. The best example for an analytical procedure having this capability is undoubtedly Isotope Dilution Mass Spectrometry, for inorganic as well as for organic applications. Applied on Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometry (TIMS) isotope dilution provides results of highest quality and proven high accuracy especially in the field of RM certifications for more than 30 years.
The major drawback of this approach often is the necessity for a complex chemical separation step. A major advantage of Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) is the potential to cope with a simplified or an on-line-carried-out sample preparation. A key requirement of isotope dilution analysis however is the accurate and precise determination of isotope ratios, because of its limiting factor for the accuracy and the total uncertainty of the result. Very precise isotope ratios can be determined in combination with a detection system that is capable of simultaneous detection of different isotopes, a so-called multi-collector system.
The objective of the presented project is to evaluate the advantages of such a multi-collector ICP-MS for the application of IDMS in the field of trace elemental analysis in reference materials. The focus is on the development of simple and fast procedures for isotope ratio measurements in general and IDMS analysis in particular. Furthermore, it is an objective to develop and evaluate on-line spiking procedures.
One of the first conclusions, which had a severe impact on the HIIRM project, arose during the early days of the project. Currently most certification experiments are accomplished by certification campaign based on a variety of participants’ results. The sample preparation, sending, analyzing and data evaluation however require lot of resources and the process may take a long time. An alternative way is given by using fewer participants with methods of higher metrological quality. For elemental amount contents such a method undoubtedly is isotope dilution analysis and multi-collector ICP-MS offers the necessary precision and matrix robustness and ruggedness as said above. Therefore, a multiple collector ICP-MS was manufactured as part of the project instead of the originally planned high-resolution instrument. Due to the novelty of the multicollector ICP-MS instrument, a lot of additional fundamental research became necessary. Especially interferences needed further attention. Fortunately, the IsoProbe is additionally equipped with a high-resolution option and with a brand new collison cell. The high-resolution option however can only be used to identify interferences but cannot be used to quantify them. On the other hand, the use of the collision cell proved to be a vital tool to overcome interferences. This is especially true because high resolution would have reduced the available sensitivity by a factor of ~100. Applying the collision cell technology the high sensitivity was maintained whilst most interferences were eliminated. However finding the right parameters of operation for the collision cell became a huge part of the method development process. A variety of gases like argon, helium, hydrogen, deuterium, nitrogen, krypton and xenon were tested for their suitability. Especially the tests accomplished for iron determinations revealed that carefully selected parameters have an incredible influence on the quality of the final results. Nonetheless collision cell technology will undoubtedly be widely used for newer ICP-MS instrumentation and contribute to eliminate wrong analytical values caused by interferences.
The enhanced sensitivity of the instrument revealed also problems not detectable by other means. The control of contaminations seems to be one of the major analytical challenges in the future. Sector field based ICP-MS will give the user an opportunity to trace sources of contamination back to their origin and eliminate them. Even lower limits of detection will be the result as well as an enhanced reliability for analysts dealing with higher amount contents. The analyst will also benefit in controlling blank levels when the method of isotopically spiked procedure blanks is used as demonstrated in this project.
Another main part of the project was the validation of the developed procedures. The first validation step was successfully accomplished by applying these procedures on the standard solutions provided by NRG. The main part of this validation however consisted of the evaluation of the fundamental parameters of the isotope dilution process and related measurements. This approach turned out to be superior compaired to the first step as a highly reliable uncertainty calculation can be easily performed. The best reputation and acceptance of the methods can however only be accomplished by participating in certification campaigns or in interlaboratory comparisons on highest metrological level. The results of the participations in general were brilliant. Not only the results but also the obtained realistic uncertainties were of superior quality. Direct comparisons at BAM with the results obtained by a multicollector TIMS applying the same calculation schemes showed the benefits of using multicollector ICP-MS. The main benefits of ICP-MS were identified, of which the first one is the enhanced precision of the isotope ratio measurement. For a variety of elements the values obtained by multicollector ICP-MS are even more precise than the ones obtainable by multicollector TIMS. The second important advantage identified was the simplified sample preparation. The laborious and time consuming analyte-matrix-separation step as necessary for TIMS measurements can either be omitted or at least be drastically reduced. Therefore, the advantages regarding time and enhanced sample throughput will result in further spread of ICP-MS in general and multicollector ICP-MS in particular.
The third major part in terms of the method development process was mainly focused on developing an online isotope dilution system. The volumetric instead of the gravimetric IDMS approach proved difficult, if the high demands necessary for RM definition measurements are to be fulfilled. The major obstacle in this case is the missing stability and precision in terms of mass flow. Consequently, the initial development failed as the system made up of two piezoelectric droplet injectors was unable to reach the required stability as well as precision. The thereupon-created system consisting of two HPLC pumps proved to be far more valuable regarding automation and particularly the quantification of transient signals. Nevertheless, such a system will probably be rarely used in certification campaigns, as the gain of time is too small compared to the loss of reliability. However, this system proved most valuable in terms of species-specific elemental analysis as preliminary investigations showed. In this context this system will be suitable for certification measurements, as the major uncertainty contributions derive from sampling, sample treatment and species distribution and as moreover all availabel methods demonstrate far beyond.
During the whole project, one of the main concerns regarding the multicollector ICP-MS instrument were software issues caused by the early development state of the original control programs. A lot of effort was necessary to accomplish the necessary data manipulations externally. The development of a new software suite by Micromass for the HIIRM project has solved this issue almost completely. With the new software suite and the validated parameters of measurement a step forward for institutes dealing with reference material certifications was achieved.
Future certifications campaigns for minor elemental contents in different matrices should be performed by a small number of participants from highly qualified institutes. These institutes should apply very reliable methods of measurement like the ones developed in the HIIRM project. Many resources may be saved that way while the outcome of the certifications may easily be improved. ICP-MC-MS has the potential to be an important method in this context. Stable isotope dilution analysis in combination with a multi-detector ICP-MS, equipped with a hexapole collision cell for the suppression of important spectral interferences and for enhanced sensitivity, proved to be an advanced method of elemental analysis with a high potential for matrix independent measurements. Since ICP mass spectrometers of this type have only recently been introduced, no systematic evaluation of the capabilities of this specific application of the ICP-IDMS method has yet been made.
Three petrol reference materials were certified for their total sulfur content in support of Directive 2003/17/EC of the European Parliament and of the European Council, which stipulates that petrol with a maximum S content of 10 mg/kg must be available in all member states by 2009. Commercially available petrol was obtained and filled into borosilicate ampoules without further treatment. Homogeneity of the materials was tested and no heterogeneity was detected for two of the materials, whereas minor heterogeneity was observed for the third material. Stability of the materials was tested for 8-12 months at 60 °C and no degradation was observed. Characterisation was based on isotope-dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS) applied as primary method of measurement by three European metrology institutes and certified values were assigned using all results. The certified uncertainties include contributions of (potential) heterogeneity, potential degradation as well as characterisation. The final assigned values are:
ERM-EF211: 48.8 ± 1.7 mg/kg
ERM-EF212: 20.2 ± 1.1 mg/kg
ERM-EF213: 9.1 ± 0.8 mg/kg
The materials are available from IRMM (ERM-EF211), LGC (ERM-EF212) and BAM (ERMEF213)
Dieser Bericht beschreibt die Zertifizierung von 3 synthetischen Isotopenmischungen aus natürlicher und angereicherter Borsäure. Diese Isotopen-ZRM liegen als konzentrierte, wäs-serige Borsäure-Lösungen vor und sind bezüglich ihrer Isotopenzusammensetzung zertifi¬ziert. Der Bor-Gesamtgehalt ist als Richtwert angegeben. Die Unsicherheiten sind erweiterte Messunsicherheiten mit k=2. Sie sind in Klammern angegeben und beziehen sich auf die letzten beiden Stellen. Die vorliegenden Isotopen-ZRM sind bezüglich ihrer Isotopenzu¬sam-mensetzung mit erweiterten relativen Messunsicherheiten kleiner 0,12% zertifiziert. Die ab-solute, kombinierte Standardunsicherheit des prozentualen Stoffmengenanteils der Isotope (Isotopenhäufigkeit) liegt zwischen 0.012 und 0.017.
Dieser Bericht beschreibt die Zertifizierung einer synthetischen Isotopenmischung aus natürlicher und angereicherter Borsäure. Dieses Isotopen-ZRM liegt als konzentrierte, wässerige Borsäure-Lösung vor und ist bezüglich ihrer Isotopenzusammensetzung zertifiziert. Der Bor-Gesamtgehalt ist als Richtwert angegeben. Die Unsicherheiten sind erweiterte Messunsicherheiten mit k=2. Sie sind in Klammern angegeben und beziehen sich auf die letzten beiden Stellen. Das vorliegende Isotopen-ZRM ist bezüglich der Isotopenzusammensetzung mit erweiterten relativen Messunsicherheiten kleiner 0,08% zertifiziert. Die absolute, kombinierte Standardmessunsicherheit des prozentualen Stoffmengenanteils der Isotope (Isotopenhäufigkeit) liegt bei 0,014. In diesem Zertifizierungsbericht wird nur auf die Kapitel eingegangen, die abweichend vom bestehenden Zertifizierungsreport für die Referenzmaterialien BAM I001 bis BAM I003 sind und Einfluss auf die Endergebnisse haben. Dabei handelt es sich um die Kapitel 3.3, 3.4, 4, 6, 7 und 8, Die Kapitel 1, 2, 3, 3.1, 3.2, 5, 9 und 10 des alten Zertifizierungsberichts für die Referenzmaterialien BAM I001 bis BAM I003 behalten unverändert ihre Gültigkeit und sind nicht noch einmal aufgeführt worden.
Certification report for the reference materials ERM-AE102a, -AE104a, -AE120, -AE121 and -AE122
(2010)
Isotope reference materials are essential to enable reliable and comparable isotope data. Besides the correction of mass fractionation or mass discrimination isotope reference materials are indispensible for validation and quality control of analytical procedures. This article describes the production and certification of a set of five isotope reference materials ERM-AE102a, 104a, AE120, 121 and 122, for boron isotope analysis. The isotopic composition of all materials has been adjusted by mixing boron mother solutions enriched in 10B or 11B with a boron mother solution having natural-like isotopic composition under full gravimetric control. All mother solutions have been analysed for their boron mass fraction as well as their boron isotopic composition by TIMS using IDMS as calibration technique. For all five reference materials the isotopic composition obtained on the basis of the gravimetric data agrees very well with the isotopic composition obtained from different TIMS techniques. Performed stability and homogeneity studies show no significant influence on the isotopic composition as well as on the related uncertainties.
The certified isotope abundances for 10B are 0.29995 (27) for ERM-AE102a and 0.31488 (28) for ERM-AE104a. The certified δ11B values are -20.2 (6) ‰ for ERM-AE120, 19.9(6) ‰ for ERM-AE121 and 39.7 (6) ‰ for ERM-AE122.
Together with the formerly certified ERM-AE101 and -AE103 a unique set of seven certified reference materials (CRM) for boron isotope analysis is now available from BAM.
Isotope reference materials are essential to enable reliable and comparable isotope data. Besides the correction of mass fractionation or mass discrimination, isotope reference materials are indispensible for validation and quality control of analytical procedures. This report describes the production and certification of two isotope reference materials, ERM-AE123 and ERM-AE124, for boron isotope analysis. The isotopic composition of ERM-AE123 is the unaltered natural-like isotopic composition of the base material. The isotopic composition of ERM-AE124 has been adjusted by mixing two boron stock solutions enriched in 10B and 11B respectively under full gravimetric control. All stock solutions have been prepared fully under gravimetrical control. The corresponding boron isotopic composition has been analysed by TIMS. For both reference materials the isotopic composition obtained on the basis of the gravimetric data agrees very well with the isotopic composition obtained by TIMS. The certified isotope abundances for 10B are 0.19832 (21) for ERM-AE123 and 0.96006 (6) for ERM-AE124. Together with the formerly certified ERM-AE101, -AE102a, -AE103, -AE104a, -AE120, -AE121 and AE122, a unique set of nine certified reference materials (CRM) for boron isotope analysis is now available from BAM covering a range for the 10B isotope amount fraction from 0.2 to 0.96 and for the δ11B value from -20 ‰ to +40 ‰.
Isotope dilution mass spectrometry often is applied for the quantification of platinum group elements in environmental and geological samples. In most cases, however, certified spike solutions offering complete uncertainty statements and SI-traceability are missing. This report describes the production and certification of two isotope reference materials, ERM-AE140 and ERM-AE141, serving as calibrated spike solutions for IDMS based quantification of Pd and Pt, respectively. Both materials were produced by dissolving highly enriched isotopes 106Pd and 194Pt and determining the mass fraction of 106Pd and 194Pt in the final solution by reverse IDMS. Two independent back-spikes were produced for each material from high purity Pd and Pt. Characterization measurements were carried out by MC-ICPMS. For ERM-AE140 the certified mass fractions are w(106Pd) = 20.24(5) mg/kg and w(Pd) = 20.54(5) mg/kg. For ERM-AE141 the certified mass fractions are w(194Pt) = 18.18(11) mg/kg and w(Pt) = 19.90(12) mg/kg. These values are traceable to the International System of Units (SI) in the shortest possible way.
Dieser Bericht beschreibt die Herstellung und Zertifizierung einer Cadmiumlösung mit natürlicher Isotopenzusammensetzung. Für das Isotopen-Referenzmaterial sind sowohl die Isotopenverhältnisse als auch Isotopenhäufigkeiten und die molare Masse von Cadmium zertifiziert. Die Unsicherheiten sind erweiterte Messunsicherheiten U = k.uc mit k = 2. Der Cadmium-Massenanteil in der Lösung wird als indikativer Wert angegeben mit einer erweiterten Messunsicherheit U = k.uc mit k = 4,5.
Core capability tables list the skills and experiences, which at least partially are needed to successfully carry out a specific analytical task within the IAWG. The required skills and experiences, so-called core capabilities (CC), are identified for each analytical procedure. The summarized CC tables are listed in the appendix of each report on the corresponding key comparison or pilot study. These CC tables enable us to demonstrate that we have the analytical procedure we claim under control by means of other Key Comparison, which do not exactly meet the claimed calibration and measurement capability. This is especially important for: a) fields where no Key Comparison is available, b) Revision of CMC claims or c) when a participation in a Key Comparison was not possible.
We report an appropriate preparation of binary isotope calibration mixtures of the three stable isotopes of magnesium to be used in the ab initio calibration of multicollector mass spectrometers (ICPMS and TIMS). For each of the three possible combinations of binary mixtures ("24Mg" + "25Mg", "24Mg" + "26Mg", and "25Mg" + "26Mg"), three individual setups have been prepared under gravimetric control, each of them with an isotope ratio close to unity, and a total magnesium mass fraction close to 20 mg kg-1. The preparation was designed to occur via an intermediate dilution of a parent solution of a highly purified specimen of the isotopically enriched magnesium materials. For the application as calibration mixtures, a complete uncertainty budget was set up, and is presented and discussed in detail, including the aspects that went into the design of the dilution and mixing approach to minimize uncertainty. The principle parameters for the purpose of the later calibration of the mass spectrometers are the absolute masses of isotopically enriched magnesium materials in the primary calibration mixtures. For the first time relative expanded uncertainties U (k = 2) for these masses of ≤0.005% could be achieved for all mixtures.
For the first time, an ab initio calibration for absolute Mg isotope ratios was carried out, without making any a priori assumptions. All quantities influencing the calibration such as the purity of the enriched isotopes or liquid and solid densities were carefully analysed and their associated uncertainties were considered. A second unique aspect was the preparation of three sets of calibration solutions, which were applied to calibrate three multicollector ICPMS instruments by quantifying the correction factors for instrumental mass discrimination. Those fully calibrated mass spectrometers were then used to determine the absolute Mg isotope ratios in three candidate European Reference Materials (ERM)-AE143, -AE144 and -AE145, with ERM-AE143 becoming the new primary isotopic reference material for absolute isotope ratio and delta measurements. The isotope amount ratios of ERM-AE143 are n(25Mg)/n(24Mg) = 0.126590(20) mol/mol and n(26Mg)/n(24Mg) = 0.139362(43) mol/mol, with the resulting isotope amount fractions of x(24Mg) = 0.789920(46) mol/mol, x(25Mg) = 0.099996(14) mol/ mol and x(26Mg) = 0.110085(28) mol/mol and an atomic weight of Ar(Mg) = 24.305017(73); all uncertainties were stated for k = 2. This isotopic composition is identical within uncertainties to those stated on the NIST SRM 980 certificate. The candidate materials ERM-AE144 and -AE145 are isotopically lighter than ERM-AE143 by 1.6 ‰ and 1.3 ‰, respectively, concerning their n(26Mg)/n(24Mg) ratio. The relative combined standard uncertainties are ≤0.1 ‰ for the isotope ratio n(25Mg)/n(24Mg) and ≤0.15 ‰ for the isotope ratio n(26Mg)/ n(24Mg). In addition to characterizing the new isotopic reference materials, it was demonstrated that commonly used fractionation laws are invalid for correcting Mg isotope ratios in multicollector ICPMS as they result in a bias which is not covered by its associated uncertainty. Depending on their type, fractionation laws create a bias up to several per mil, with the exponential law showing the smallest bias between 0.1 ‰ and 0.7 ‰.
Lead (Pb) isotope amount ratios are commonly used in applications ranging from archaeology and forensic sciences to terrestrial and extra-terrestrial geochemistry. Despite their utility and frequency of use, only three certified isotope amount ratio reference materials are currently available for Pb: NIST SRMs 981, 982 and 983. Because SRM 981 has a natural Pb isotopic composition, it is mainly used for correcting instrumental mass discrimination or fractionation. This means that, at present, there are no other certified isotope reference materials with natural Pb isotopic composition that could be used for validating or verifying an analytical procedure involving the measurement of Pb isotope amount ratios.
To fill this gap, two new reference materials, both certified for their Pb isotopic composition, have been produced together with a complete uncertainty assessment. These new reference materials offer SI traceability and an independent means of validating or verifying analytical procedures used to produce Pb isotope amount ratio measurements.
ERM-EB400 is a bronze material containing a nominal Pb mass fraction of 45 mg/kg. ERM-AE142 is a high purity solution of Pb with a nominal mass fraction of 100 mg/kg. Both materials have been specifically produced to assist analysts in verifying or validating their analytical procedures. Note that while one of these reference materials requires the chemical separation of Pb from its matrix (ERM-EB400), the other does not (ERM-AE142). Details on the certification of these isotope reference materials are provided in this report.
IDMS Training
(2016)
Based on its proven records especially in reference material certification, isotope dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS) is considered as one of the most powerful and most accurate methods for determining amounts of substance. Contrary to other calibration approaches, IDMS does not directly suffer from long-time changes or drifts in instrument sensitivity. Moreover, provided isotopic exchange between the sample and spike is ensured, losses of analyte do not affect the analytical result. Both advantages are based on the fact that IDMS only requires isotope ratio measurements and isotope ratios are largely unaffected by instrumental drift, setup or by matrix, unless an isobaric interference is present.
The Consultative Committee for Amount of Substance (CCQM), the world's highest institution for metrology in chemistry, considers IDMS as the most important “Primary Method of Measurement” for amount determination. The total combined uncertainty, according to ISO and EURACHEM guidelines, can easily be calculated via the IDMS equations. Applying it correctly, IDMS has the potential to be a primary method of measurement yielding SI traceable values in the most direct way with combined uncertainties significantly smaller than obtainable by other methods.
In general it can be stated that IDMS is the most important reference method for elemental and elemental species analysis, offering highest accuracy and precision or smallest measurement uncertainties, when properly applied. Thus IDMS represents by far the best suited reference method for RM characterisation. Due to its universal applicability IDMS offers sufficient potential to follow future needs in analytical chemistry as well as in the RM sector.
This presentation will demonstrate the basic principle of IDMS and will show its Pros and Cons as well as its pitfalls. Possible sources of errors and bias are mentioned and correction models will be discussed. Notice will be given to metrological aspects such as traceability and uncertainty. Differences in the application of thermal ionization mass spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry are discussed as well as differences between different types of mass spectrometers. This will be illustrated by practical examples from various fields.
CCQM-P149 is an attempt to obtain a snapshot on actual procedures the NMIs and DIs within CCQM-IAWG applied to the purity characterization of their “fit for purpose” elemental Standards. This presentation describes how the results of CCQM-P149 may be used to underpin calibration and measurement capabilities being claimed in the BIPM database.
High purity materials can serve as a realisation of the Système International d’Unitès (SI) unit amount of substance for the specific element. Solutions prepared from such high purity materials using gravimetric preparation and the concept of molar mass are used as calibration solutions in many fields of analytical chemistry. Calibration solutions prepared this way provide the traceability to the SI and are the metrological basis in elemental analysis.
The preparation and characterization of such primary pure substances, representing the realisation of the SI unit amount of substance, is undertaken only by a small number of National Metrology Institutes (NMI) and Designated Institutes (DI).
Many other NMIs and DIs, however, prepare elemental calibration solutions as calibrants for their measurement services, such as the certification of matrix Reference Materials or the provision of reference values for Proficiency Testing schemes. The elemental calibration solutions used for this purpose are not a direct service to customers, such as preparing secondary calibration solutions, but provide the source of traceability for the other services. Hence, it is necessary for the NMI or DI to obtain data on the purity of the pure metals or other materials used to prepare the solutions with measurement uncertainties meeting the needs of the above described services. This is commonly undertaken as a “fit for purpose” assessment, appropriate for the uncertainty requirement of the service provided to customers.
As a consequence, total purity measurements are a long-term strategy of CCQM-IAWG. Several studies were conducted (CCQM-P107, CCQM-K72 and CCQM-P149) on the measurement of the purity of zinc. From these studies, several conclusions can be drawn for the purity assessment of a pure (metallic) element. These conclusions will be put together in this document in order to assist all NMIs/DIs in performing a purity assessment, whenever needed.
Isotope amount ratios (hereafter referred to as simply isotope ratios) are proving useful in an ever increasing array of applications that range from studies unravelling transport processes, to pinpointing the provenance of specific samples as well as trace element quantification by using isotope dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS). These expanding applications encompass fields as diverse as archaeology, food chemistry, forensic science, geochemistry, medicine and metrology. However, to be effective tools, the isotope ratio data must be reliable and traceable to enable the comparability of measurement.
The importance of traceability and comparability in isotope ratio analysis has already been recognized by the Inorganic Analysis Working Group (IAWG) within the CCQM. Three pilot studies have focused on the quality of isotope ratio determinations (P48 “U isotope ratios in urine”, P75 “stable isotopes in Methionine”, P105 “87Sr/86Sr in wine”). Moreover, isotope ratio measurements are fundamental to IDMS amount of substance determinations. For example, when Pb quantification using IDMS is undertaken, this requires the measurements of Pb isotope ratios. While the requirements for isotope ratio accuracy and precision in the case of of IDMS are generally quite modest, “absolute” Pb isotope ratio measurements for geochemical age dating and source rock characterization as well as forensic provenance and fingerprinting studies require Pb isotope ratio measurements of the highest quality. To support present and future CMCs on isotope ratio determinations, a Key Comparison was urgently needed. Therefore, it was decided at the IAWG meeting in Paris in April 2011 that a Key Comparison on the determination of Pb isotope ratios in a pure Pb solution and in a bronze sample should be organized and accompanied by a pilot study.
Measuring Pb isotope amount ratios in a pure Pb solution, while seemingly straight forward, rigorously tests the ability of analyst to correct for any instrumental effects (such as mass discrimination and blank correction) on the measured ratios. Pb, present in trace amounts in a metal matrix sample (e.g. Pb in bronze), provides a real world test of the whole chemical and instrumental procedure, from chemical separation and sample purification to analysis and subsequent correction of appropriate instrumental effects on the separated samples.
A suitable bronze material with a Pb mass fraction between 10 and 100 mg·kg-1 was available at BAM. A high purity solution of Pb with a mass fraction of approximately 100 mg·kg-1 was also available. By comparing the Pb isotope ratio results obtained for the bronze sample with the Pb isotope ratio results from the Pb solution, potential biases arising from the processing of the bronze sample could be effectively identified and separated from the instrumental effects arising from the measurement and data processing protocol.
The CCQM-K123 key comparison was organized by the Inorganic Analysis Working Group (IAWG) of CCQM to assess and document the capabilities of the national metrology institutes (NMIs) or the designated institutes (DIs) to measure the mass fractions of sodium, calcium, potassium, magnesium phosphorous and sulfur in biodiesel fuel (BDF). The National Metrology Institute of Japan (NMIJ) and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) acted as the coordinating laboratories.
Results were submitted by 11 NMIs and DIs. The participants used different measurement methods, though most of them used inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), isotope dilution technique with ICP-MS and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) with microwave acid digestion.
The material was quite challenging and a number of questions were raised at the IAWG meeting. Concerning S, the variation in S results between participants, particularly those using IDMS methods was discussed at the IAWG meeting. BAM, NIST and NMIJ reviewed their experimental conditions, results and/or uncertainty calculations for IDMS. According to the additional evaluation and investigation, the variances between the revised results became smaller than the original one, the revised results were overlapping between IDMS measurements of S content at the k=2 level. It is not possible to calculate a KCRV with values being modified after submission. It was concluded that this KC does not support S measurements.
Accounting for relative expanded uncertainty, comparability of measurement results for each of Na, Ca, K, Mg and P was successfully demonstrated by the participating NMIs or DIs. It is expected that sodium, calcium, potassium, magnesium and phosphorus at mass fractions greater than approximately 0.1 mg/kg, 0.1 mg/kg, 0.05 mg/kg, 0.05 mg/kg and 0.1 mg/kg respectively in biodiesel fuel and similar matrices (fuels and oils etc.) can be determined by each participant using the same technique(s) employed for this key comparison to achieve similar uncertainties mentioned in the present report. Furthermore, the results of this key comparison can be utilized along with the IAWG core capability approach.
Boron isotope amount ratios n(10B)/n(11B) have been determined by monitoring the absorption spectrum of boron monohydride (BH) in a graphite furnace using high-resolution continuum source molecular absorption spectrometry (HR-CS-MAS). Bands (0→0) and (1→1) for the electronic transition X1Σ+ → A1Π were evaluated around wavelengths 433.1 nm and 437.1 nm respectively. Clean and free of memory effect molecular spectra of BH were recorded. In order to eliminate the memory effect of boron, a combination of 2% (v/v) hydrogen gas in argon and 1% trifluoromethane in argon, an acid solution of calcium chloride and mannitol as chemical modifiers was used. Partial least square regression (PLS) for analysis of samples and reference materials were applied. For this, a spectral library with different isotopes ratios for PLS regression was built. Results obtained around the 433.1 nm and 437.1 nm spectral regions are metrologically compatible with those reported by mass spectrometric methods. Moreover, for the evaluated region of 437 nm, an accuracy of 0.15‰ is obtained as the average deviation from the isotope reference materials. Expanded uncertainties with a coverage factor of k = 2 range between 0.15 and 0.44‰. This accuracy and precision are compatible with those obtained by mass spectrometry for boron isotope ratio measurements.
Isotope analysis
(2017)
The variation of isotope ratios is increasingly used to unravell natural and technical questions. In the past the investigation and interpretation of such variations was the field of a limited number of experts. With new upcoming techniques and research topics in the last decades, such as provenance and authenticity of food, the number of published isotope data strongly increased. Instrumental developments such as the enhancement of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometers (ICPMS) from an instrument for simple quantitative analysis to highly sophisticated isotope ratio machines influenced this process significantly. While in former times only experts in mass spectrometry were able to produce reliable isotope data, nowadays many laboratories, never been in touch with mass spectrometry before, produce isotope data with an ICPMS. Especially for such user isotope reference materials (IRM) are indispensible to enable a reliable method validation. The fast development and the broad availability of ICPMS also lead to an expansion of the classical research areas and new elements are under Investigation.
This presentation shows the basics and principles for isotope ratio determination using ICP-MS. Additionally, it provides three specific examples for isotope Ratio applications: isotope dilution mass spectrometry; provenancing of archaeoligical artifeacts by lead isotope Ratio Analysis and studies on boron uptake in bell pepper plants.
Knowledge about feeding behavior is essential to determine trophic interactions and reconstruct predator-prey relationships in modern and past foodwebs. Traditionally, nitrogen isotopes (δ15N) of collagen are used to quantify the ingestion of animal protein, however collagen usually does not preserve over geological time scales. To infer the diet of extinct vertebrates from fossil material more resistant dietary proxies such as Ca and Mg isotopes are needed, which are major elements in the bioapatite of bones and teeth. Magnesium is a bio-essential element that replaces calcium in the bioapatite lattice and bone and enamel δ26Mg values of extant mammals increase systematically along the foodchain [1, 2].
The existing δ26Mg data, however, is scarce, in particular with respect to carnivores, thus still limiting the capability of this dietary proxy to reliably determine trophic differences between plant- and animal-feeders. To better constrain trophic-level effects recorded in Mg isotopes, we analyzed δ26Mg of bioapatite from modern mammals with a focus on faunivores, both carnivores and as yet unexplored insectivores.
The trophic level effect of δ26Mg is influenced by the geological substrate which causes isotope variability in δ26Mg of faunal remains between different ecosystems [1, 2]. Therefore, as first-order proxy for sample provenance and to assess potential influences of the bedrock substrate of the animals´ habitats on δ26Mg of bones and teeth, we measured the 87Sr/86Sr on the same specimens. This information will enable us to refine trophic level effects and determine whether δ26Mg can be used to distinguish different faunivores isotopically. This will be of paramount importance for dietary reconstructions of trophic niches in fossil foodwebs.
[1] Martin et al. (2014) Geochmica Cosmochimica Acta 130, 12-20. [2] Martin et al. (2015) Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 112, 430-435.
For the first time, an international comparison was conducted on the determination of the purity of a high purity element. Participants were free to choose any analytical approach appropriate for their institute’s applications and services. The material tested was a high purity zinc, which had earlier been assessed for homogeneity and previously used in CCQM-K72 for the determination of six defined metallic impurities. Either a direct metal assay of the Zn mass fraction was undertaken by EDTA titrimetry, or an indirect approach was used wherein all impurities, or at least the major ones, were determined and their sum subtracted from ideal purity of 100 %, or 1 kg/kg. Impurity assessment techniques included glow discharge mass spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and carrier gas hot extraction/combustion analysis. Up to 91 elemental impurities covering metals, non-metals and semi-metals/metalloids were quantified. Due to the lack of internal experience or experimental capabilities, some participants contracted external laboratories for specific analytical tasks, mainly for the analysis of non-metals. The reported purity, expressed as zinc mass fraction in the high purity zinc material, showed excellent agreement for all participants, with a relative standard deviation of 0.011 %. The calculated reference value, w(Zn) = 0.999 873 kg/kg, was assigned an asymmetric combined uncertainty of + 0.000025 kg/kg and – 0.000028 kg/kg. Comparability amongst participating metrology institutes is thus demonstrated for the purity determination of high purity metals which have no particular difficulties with their decomposition / dissolution process when solution-based analytical methods are used, or which do not have specific difficulties when direct analysis approaches are used. Nevertheless, further development is required in terms of uncertainty assessment, quantification of non-metals and the determination of purity of less pure elements and/or for those elements suffering difficulties with the decomposition process.
Polyethylene (PE) frits were used to quantify sulphur in copper and its alloys by isotope dilution combined with LA-ICP-MS as an alternative approach to conventional sample preparation: the copper samples were spiked, the spiked samples were dissolved, the resulting solutions were absorbed in the PE frits and finally the PE frits were analysed by LA-ICP-MS. A prerequisite for such a support material is a low sulphur blank and thus PE was selected for this purpose. The absorption efficiency of the PE frits was studied for varying sulphur amounts ranging from 2 mg S to 80 mg S showing that more than 99.5% of the loaded sulphur was absorbed by the frit. The so prepared PE frits were measured by LA-ICP-MS and yielded a good linearity (R2 ¼ 0.999) for the sulphur ion intensities corresponding to sulphur amounts up to 40 mg S; the associated sensitivity is approximately 3.4 x 10⁴ cps μg⁻¹ for ³²S. For the validation of the developed procedure the reference materials BAM-M376a, BAM-228 and BAM-227 were applied such that 2 μg S, 5 μg S and 11 μg S were absorbed in the PE frits, respectively. These samples were pre-quantified for the adsorbed sulphur amount by external calibration LA-ICP-MS yielding sulphur amounts of 0.9 μg, 5.1 μg and 8.5 μg (quantified for ³²S only), respectively. Relative Standard deviations of the isotope ratios were below 5% in average (n ¼ 3 lines) in all cases (except for the pure spike solution). These samples were then analysed by LA-ICP-IDMS and the measurement results were validated by comparing them with the results obtained by conventional ICP-IDMS. The obtained relative expanded measurement uncertainties ranged between 10% and 26%. Pearson's coefficient was used to express the correlation between both techniques; the obtained value was 0.999 demonstrating a strong correlation. Contrary to most published LA-ICP-IDMS procedures, the developed procedure enables SI-traceability for the measurement results. The metrological traceability to the SI for the sulphur mass fractions in copper was established by an unbroken chain of comparisons, each accompanied by an uncertainty budget. Thus, the measurement results are considered reliable, acceptable and comparable within the stated measurement uncertainty. The metrological traceability chain from the kg down to mass fraction in the samples obtained by LA-ICP-IDMS is presented as well.
Previously applied methods for the quantification of sulphur in copper and other pure metals revealed a lack of SI-traceability and additionally showed inconsistent results, when different methods were compared.
Therefore, a reference procedure is required which allows SI-traceable values accompanied by a Sound uncertainty budget. In this study a procedure was developed for the quantification of total sulphur in copper at low concentration levels using inductively coupled plasma-isotope dilution mass spectrometry (ICP-IDMS). The major part of the copper matrix was separated by adding ammonia which forms a complex with the copper while releasing the sulphur followed by chromatographic separation using a weak cation resin. After that the sulphur fraction was further purified by chromatographic means using first an anion exchange method and second a chelating resin. The developed procedure shows high performance, especially concerning high efficiency in matrix removal (>99.999%) while keeping the recovery of sulphur above 80%. Procedure blanks are in the order of 3–53 ng resulting in LOD and LOQ values of 0.2 mg g1 and 0.54 mg g1, respectively. The procedure is sufficient to facilitate value assignment of the total sulphur mass fraction in reference materials. Additionally, relative measurement uncertainties were calculated to be below 1% and the measurement results were traceable to the SI. The procedure reported in this study is a new reference procedure for sulphur measurement in copper, being fit for two major purposes, certification of reference materials and assignment of reference values for inter-laboratory comparison.
Roadmap for the purity determination of pure metallic elements – Basic rinciples and helpful advice
(2018)
High purity materials can serve as a realisation of the Système International d’Unitès (SI) unit amount of substance for the specific element. Solutions prepared from such high purity materials using gravimetric preparation and the concept of molar mass are used as calibration solutions in many fields of analytical chemistry. Calibration solutions prepared this way provide the traceability to the SI and are the metrological basis in elemental analysis.
The preparation and characterization of such primary pure substances, representing the realisation of the SI unit amount of substance, is undertaken only by a small number of National Metrology Institutes (NMI) and Designated Institutes (DI).
Many other NMIs and DIs, however, prepare elemental calibration solutions as calibrants for their measurement services, such as the certification of matrix Reference Materials or the provision of reference values for Proficiency Testing schemes. The elemental calibration solutions used for this purpose are not a direct service to customers, such as preparing secondary calibration solutions, but provide the source of traceability for the other services. Hence, it is necessary for the NMI or DI to obtain data on the purity of the pure metals or other materials used to prepare the solutions with measurement uncertainties meeting the needs of the above described services. This is commonly undertaken as a “fit for purpose” assessment, appropriate for the uncertainty requirement of the service provided to customers.
As a consequence, total purity measurements are a long-term strategy of CCQM-IAWG. Several studies were conducted (CCQM-P107, CCQM-K72 and CCQM-P149) on the measurement of the purity of zinc. From these studies, several conclusions can be drawn for the purity assessment of a pure (metallic) element. These conclusions will be put together in this document in order to assist all NMIs/DIs in performing a purity assessment, whenever needed.
Absolute Isotope Ratios
(2018)
Measurement results and scientific models leading to important decisions in forensics, food fraud or climatology are based on isotope ratio data. Molar masses of multi-isotopic elements are as well based on isotope ratio data. Thus, in the case of Si, isotope ratios directly impact the redefinition of the SI base units kilogram and mole. Therefore, new strategies are required leading to new primary isotope reference materials, whose isotope ratios are traceable to the SI. This in turn will ensure the comparability of isotope ratio data and will render the traceability exception requested by the CCQM superfluous. Such new procedures will be developed for the key elements S, Si, Ca, Sr and Nd at relative uncertainty levels of ≤ 0.01 %.
This presentation gives a short overview of isotope ratio measurements being carried out in the past few years at BAM in different fields such as plant metabolism, food web structures and archaeology. The corresponding isotope reference materials which have been certified at BAM in parallel are presented as well. Additionally an outlook is being provided on future iRM projects.
A set of 59 ancient magical artefacts, mainly made of lead, was selected from the collections of the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin in order to unravel their origins. All the selected artefacts have been studied for their Pb isotope compositions, which covered the whole range of the Mediterranean ore deposits. However, the majority (≈86%) were made of lead matching the small compositional range of the Laurion ore deposits. Only eight out of the 59 artefacts were made of recycled lead or lead from other ore deposits.
Additionally, all but two were approximately dated based on their inscriptions. The lead isotopic composition together with information obtained from the inscriptions, the resulting dating, the context of the find and the known history of each item allowed us to gain more detailed information about the origins of these magical artefacts. The Attic provenance of 36 curse tablets was confirmed, whereas for 11 curse tablets previously classified as non-Attic, the provenance was either confirmed and specified (six artefacts) or changed to Attic (five artefacts). Surprisingly, the majority (six out of eight) of the analysed curse tablets from the Egyptian collection showed a lead isotopic composition closely matching that of Laurion.
A Laurion-like lead isotopic composition was also observed for three of the four analysed oracular tablets from Dodona. Together with the dating information, this points to Laurion as the major and dominant lead source in the Aegean, at least during the fourth–third century B.C. The few curse tablets from earlier than the fourth–third century B.C. point to the use of multiple and thus isotopically more variable lead sources compared with the Roman times.
Rationale: Boron (B) is an essential micronutrient in plants and its isotope variations are used to gain insights into plant metabolism, which is important for crop plant cultivation. B isotope variations were used to trace intra‐plant fractionation mechanisms in response to the B concentration in the irrigation water spanning the
range from B depletion to toxic levels.
Methods: A fully validated analytical procedure based on multi‐collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC‐ICP‐MS), sample decomposition and B Matrix separation was applied to study B isotope fractionation. The Validation was accomplished by establishing a complete uncertainty budget and by applying reference materials, yielding expanded measurement uncertainties of 0.8‰ for pure boric acid solutions and ≤1.5‰ for processed samples. With this validated procedure SI traceable B isotope amount ratios were determined in plant reference materials for the first time.
Results: The B isotope compositions of Irrigation water and bell pepper samples suggest passive diffusion of the heavy 11B isotope into the roots during low to high B concentrations while uptake of the light 10B isotope was promoted during B depletion, probably by active processes. A systematic enrichment of the heavy 11B isotope in higher located plant parts was observed (average Δ11Bleaf‐roots = 20.3 ± 2.8‰ (1 SD)), possibly by a facilitated transport of the heavy 11B isotope to growing Meristems by B transporters.
Conclusions: The B isotopes can be used to identify plant metabolism in Response to the B concentration in the irrigation water and during intra‐plant B transfer. The large B isotope fractionation within the plants demonstrates the importance of
biological B cycling for the global B cycle.
Lead isotopes are a well-established tool to trace the geographic origin of samples and artefacts in archaeology and geochemistry. In archaeology, lead isotopes are often applied to gain information on the provenance of the used ores especially in lead and silver artefacts. The assignment of a specific and unambiguous provenance in most cases is not possible or at least hindered due to several limitations such as ore deposits overlapping in their lead isotopic composition, a large spread within one ore deposit or a missing overlap with known mining sites. Such difficult cases can only be solved by using information from sources being independent of the isotope data. This information can be of chemical nature such as concentrations of key elements or they can be of archaeological nature such as cultural or trade route information.Within this study, we combined lead isotope data of ores and artefacts with silver mass fractions in the ore deposits, Au/Ag-ratios in ores and artefacts and finally archaeological Information on the cultural context in the Mediterranean and Anatolian Region. This approach enabled us to significantly reduce the potential number of mining regions. Finally, the potential sources could be narrowed down to the three remaining locations the Central Taurus, Arap Dağ and the Eastern Troad. Beneath these three locations, the Central Taurus shows the highest probability for the geographic origin of the galena which has been used to create the Trojan silver artefacts.
In most chemical reactions, stable isotopes are fractionated in a mass-dependent manner, yielding correlated isotope ratios in elements with three or more stable isotopes. The proportionality between isotope ratios is set by the triple isotope fractionation exponent θ that can be determined precisely for, e.g., sulfur and oxygen by IRMS, but not for metal(loid) elements due to the lower precision of MC-ICP-MS analysis and smaller isotopic variations. Here, using Mg as a test case, we compute a complete metrologically robust uncertainty budget for apparent θ values and, with reference to this, present a new measurement Approach that reduces uncertainty on θ values by 30%. This approach, namely, direct educt-product bracketing (sample−sample bracketing), allows apparent θ values of metal(loid) isotopes to be determined precisely enough to distinguish slopes in three-isotope space. For the example of Mg, we assess appropriate quality Control standards for interference-to-signal ratios and Report apparent θ values of carbonate−seawater pairs. We determined apparent θ values for marine biogenic carbonates, where the foraminifera Globorotalia menardii yields 0.514 ± 0.005 (2 SD), the coral Porites, 0.515 ± 0.006 (2 SD), and two specimens of the giant clam Tridacna gigas, 0.508 ± 0.007 (2 SD) and 0.509 ± 0.006 (2 SD), documenting differences in the uptake pathway of Mg among marine calcifiers. The capability to measure apparent θ values more precisely adds a new dimension to metal(loid) δ values, with the potential to allow us to resolve different modes of fractionation in industrial and natural processes.
Boron (B) is an essential micronutrient for plant growth. Lack of valid methods for pretreatment and measurement of δ11B in plant restrict applications of it in the biosphere. Dry ashing, one step cation exchange and micro-sublimation were combined to separate and purify boron (B) in plant tissues. The low procedure blank, high B recovery and the accurate δ11B values of the plant reference materials demonstrate that this method is suitable and valid for B pretreatment and δ11B measurement in plant samples by MC-ICP-MS. Based on this method, the δ11B in different plants (Brassica napus, Chenopodium album L, moss, lichen, and Nostoc commune) was analyzed. For Brassica napus, δ11B increased gradually from root to leaf, and then decreased to rapeseed. For the same parts, the δ11B increased from the lower parts to the higher parts. This variation may be due to the B(OH)3 transporter of NIP6;1 and the incorporation of B into the cell. The reason for lower δ11B values in shell and rapeseed compared to those in leaves presumably is to the preferred Transport of borate in the phloem. The largest δ11B fractionation between leaf and root in Brassica napus and Chenopodium album L was +24.2‰ and +26.6‰, respectively. The large variation and fractionation of δ11B within plants indicates that δ11B is a good tracer to study the B translocation mechanisms and metabolism within plants. The δ11B in Nostoc commune, lichen, and moss showed variations of -4.1‰ to +21.5‰, −9.4‰ to +7.3‰, and −18.3‰ to +11. 9‰, respectively. In the same site, δ11B in different plants ranked Nostoc commune>moss>lichen and δ11B in mosses growing in different environment ranked soil>tree>rock. Rain and soil available B are the main B sources for these plants. The δ11B in Nostoc commune, lichen, and moss may be a useful tracer to study the atmospheric B input. In the future, plants culture experiments under certain environments and studies from molecular level are necessary to decipher the variation of δ11B and fractionation mechanisms within plants.
ICP-MS has played a key role in inorganic chemical metrology for 25 years, from the 1993 CIPM feasibility study which led to establishment of the CCQM. Since that time, the Inorganic Analysis Working Group of the CCQM has organised 56 international comparisons involving measurements by ICP-MS and, in a recent comparison, 16 different national institutes submitted their results using the technique. Metrological applications of ICP-MS currently address an enormous range of measurements using a wide variety of instrumentation, calibration strategies and methodologies. This review provides an overview of the ICP-MS field with an emphasis on developments which are of particular relevance to chemical metrology.
Examples from CCQM comparisons and the services available from the participants are used to illustrate how the capability and scope of ICP-MS methods have expanded far beyond the expectations of 1993. This is due in part to the research and development Programmes of the national institutes which participate in the CCQM. They have played a key role in advancing new instrumentation and applications for elemental analysis, isotope dilution mass spectrometry, determination of isotopic ratio or composition, and speciation of organometallic compounds. These developments are continuing today, as demonstrated by work in new fields such as heteroatom quantitation of proteins, characterisation and counting of nanoparticles using spICP-MS, and LA-ICP-MS analysis of solid materials.
During R/V Meteor cruise 141/1, pore fluids of near surface sediments were investigated to find indications for hydrothermal activity in the Terceira Rift (TR), a hyperslow spreading center in the Central North Atlantic Ocean. To date, submarine hydrothermal fluid venting in the TR has only been reported for the D. João de Castro seamount, which presently seems to be inactive. Pore fluids sampled close to a volcanic cone at 2,800‐m water depth show an anomalous composition with Mg, SO4, and total alkalinity concentrations significantly higher than seawater and a nearby reference core. The most straightforward way of interpreting these deviations is the dissolution of the hydrothermally formed mineral caminite (MgSO4 0.25 Mg (OH)2 0.2H2O). This interpretation is corroborated by a thorough investigation of fluid isotope systems (δ26Mg, δ30Si, δ34S, δ44/42Ca, and 87Sr/86Sr). Caminite is known from mineral assemblages with anhydrite and forms in hydrothermal recharge zones only under specific conditions such as high fluid temperatures and in altered oceanic crust, which are conditions generally met at the TR. We hypothesize that caminite was formed during hydrothermal activity and is now dissolving during the waning state of the hydrothermal system, so that caminite mineralization is shifted out of its stability zone. Ongoing fluid circulation through the basement is transporting the geochemical signal via slow advection toward the seafloor.
Lead isotope amount ratios are commonly used in diverse fields such as archaeometry, geochemistry and forensic science. Currently, five reference materials with certified lead isotope amount ratios are available, namely NIST SRM 981, 982 and 983, GBW-04442 and NMIJ 3681-a. Only NIST SRM 981 and NMIJ 3681-a have approximately natural isotopic compositions, and NIST SRM 981 is predominantly used for correcting mass discrimination/mass fractionation in the applied mass spectrometric procedures. Consequently, there is no other certified reference material available to be used for validation and/or quality control of the analytical procedures applied to lead isotope amount ratio measurements. To fill this gap, two new reference materials have been produced and certified for their lead isotope amount ratios. For both certified reference materials, complete uncertainty budgets have been calculated and SI traceability has been established. This provides the users with independent means for validating and verifying their analytical procedures and for conducting quality control measures. ERM-EB400 is a bronze material with a nominal lead mass fraction of 45 mg kg-1 and certified lead isotope amount ratios of n(206Pb)/n(204Pb) = 18.072(17) mol mol-1, n(207Pb)/n(204Pb) = 15.578(18) mol mol-1 and n(208Pb)/n(204Pb) = 38.075(46) mol mol-1 with the associated expanded uncertainties (k = 2) given in brackets. ERM-AE142 is a high-purity solution of lead in 2% nitric acid with a nominal mass fraction of 100 mg kg-1 and certified Pb isotope amount ratios of n(206Pb)/n(204Pb) = 21.114(17) mol mol-1, n(207Pb)/n(204Pb) = 15.944(17) mol mol-1 and n(208Pb)/n(204Pb) = 39.850(44) mol mol-1 with the associated expanded uncertainties (k = 2) given in brackets. Both materials are specifically designed to fall within the natural lead isotopic variation and to assist users with the validation and verification of their analytical procedures. Note that while one of these reference materials requires the chemical separation of Pb from its matrix (ERM-EB400), the other does not (ERM-AE142). As additional information, δ208/206PbNIST SRM981 values are provided for both materials. For ERM-AE142, a delta value of δ208/206PbNIST SRM981 = -28.21(30) ‰ was obtained, and for ERM-EB400, a delta value of δ208/206PbNIST SRM981 = -129.47(38) ‰ was obtained, with the associated expanded uncertainties (k = 2) given in brackets.
In the past, δ26/24Mg measurements were referenced to NIST SRM 980, the initial zero of the δ26/24Mg scale. With the development of MC-ICPMS, the detection of small but measurable isotopic differences in different chips of SRM 980 became apparent. To solve this problem a suite of magnesium isotope reference materials, ERM-AE143, -AE144 and -AE145, has been certified in a first study by applying an ab initio calibration for absolute Mg isotope ratios without any a priori assumptions, a procedure which fulfils all requirements of a primary method of measurement. We could achieve for the first time measurement uncertainties for isotope amount ratios close to the typical precision of magnesium delta values, δ26/24Mg, which are at the 0.1 ‰ level (2SD). In addition, it was demonstrated that commonly used fractionation laws are invalid for correcting Mg isotope ratios in multi-collector ICPMS as they result in a bias which is not covered by its associated uncertainty. Depending on their type, fractionation laws create a bias up to several per mil, with the exponential law showing the smallest bias between 0.1 ‰ to 0.7 ‰.
With these isotope reference materials, it is possible to establish SI-traceability for magnesium delta measurements. To realize this, we organized a second study within which five expert laboratories participated to cross-calibrate all available magnesium isotope standards, which are NIST SRM 980, IRMM-009, ERM-AE143, ERM-AE144, ERM-AE145 and the standards DSM3 and Cambridge-1. The mean δ26/24Mg values for the individual iRMs, calculated from the laboratory means show 2 SD reproducibilities varying between 0.025 and 0.093 ‰. Propagated measurement uncertainties suggest a standard uncertainty of about 0.1‰ for δ26/24Mg determinations (2SD). Thus, SI traceability for magnesium isotope amount ratios and delta values is demonstrated to be established.
In isotope ratio applications metrological principles such as measurement uncertainty and SI traceability often are not considered or realized. This is also well-documented by the traceability exception related to delta scale isotope ratio measurements CCQM requested from the CIPM. Generally, delta scale isotope ratio measurements can be performed on a precision level that is significantly lower than the uncertainty level of isotope amount ratio measurements. In the case of magnesium, we demonstrated for the first time that isotope amount ratios can be measured with uncertainties close to the typical precision of magnesium delta values, δ26/24Mg, which are at the 0.1 ‰ level.
In the past, δ26/24Mg measurements were referenced to NIST SRM 980, the initial zero of the δ26/24Mg scale. With the development of MC-ICPMS, the detection of small but measurable isotopic differences in different chips of NIST SRM 980 became apparent and NIST SRM 980 was replaced by an intermediate artefact, DSM3. To solve this problem a suite of magnesium isotope reference materials, ERM-AE143, -AE144, and -AE145, has been certified in a first study by applying an ab initio calibration for absolute Mg isotope ratios without any a priori assumptions, a procedure which fulfils all requirements of a primary method of measurement. Thus, these materials qualified to establish SI-traceability for magnesium delta measurements. In a second study five expert laboratories participated to cross-calibrate all available magnesium isotope standards, which are NIST SRM 980, IRMM-009, ERM-AE143, ERM-AE144, ERM-AE145 and the standards DSM3 and Cambridge-1. The mean δ26/24Mg values for the individual iRMs, calculated from the laboratory means show 2 SD reproducibilities varying between 0.025 and 0.093 ‰. Propagated measurement uncertainties suggest a standard uncertainty of about 0.1 ‰ for δ26/24Mg determinations. Thus, SI traceability for magnesium isotope amount ratios and delta values is demonstrated to be established.
Multi-collector inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS) has evolved significantly since its introduction in 1992. The second and third generation instruments now allow isotope ratio measurements at unprecedented precisions, 0.001 % or better. However, precision alone is not enough for producing accurate and reliable isotope ratio measurements. Metrological considerations such as the selection of suitable calibration strategies, proper assessment of instrumental biases, and the estimation of overall measurement uncertainty remain critical to the measurement process. Properly assessed, measurement uncertainty then provides the interval within which a result can be considered both accurate and precise.
All mass spectrometric measurements are affected by instrumental mass discrimination and produce isotope ratios that are biased relative to their “true” ratio. To produce accurate and traceable isotope ratio measurements, it is imperative that certified isotope reference materials (iCRMs) be used for calibration and validation purposes. iCRMs reporting absolute isotope ratios are an analyst’s first choice, particularly when its uncertainty is sufficient for the intended use. However, when smaller uncertainties are required to resolve subtle differences between samples, delta-scale measurements become important. Here, the difference between an isotope ratio measured in a sample and in an internationally accepted isotope reference material (iRM) is determined. This deviation can be positive or negative relative to the iRM, is called a delta value, and is often expressed in per mil units.
This presentation will highlight the potential for MC-ICP-MS to produce isotope ratio measurements with minimal uncertainties by examining three applications involving Mg isotopes: 1) the certification of a set of iCRMs for their absolute isotope ratio using a gravimetric isotope mixture approach; 2) the comparison of these iCRMs with currently accepted Mg delta-scale reference materials through intercalibration, and 3) the determination of isotope fractionation exponents for geochemical applications.
CCQM-K143 is a key comparison that assesses participants’ ability to prepare single element calibration solutions. Preparing calibration solutions properly is the cornerstone of establishing a traceability link to the International System of Units (SI), and therefore should be tested in order to confirm the validity of CCQM comparisons of more complex materials. CCQM-K143 consisted of participants each preparing a single copper calibration solution at 10 g/kg copper mass fraction and shipping 10 bottled aliquots of that solution to the coordinating laboratory, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The masses and mass fraction for the prepared solutions were documented with the submitted samples.
The solutions prepared by all participants were measured at NIST by high performance inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (HP-ICP-OES). The intensity measurements for copper were not mapped onto values of mass fraction via calibration. Instead, ratios were computed between the measurements for copper and simultaneous measurements for manganese, the internal standard, and all subsequent data reductions, including the computation of the KCRV and the degrees of equivalence, were based on these ratios. Other than for two participants whose measurement results appeared to suffer
from calculation or preparation errors, all unilateral degrees of equivalence showed that the measured values did not differ significantly from the KCRV. These results were confirmed by a second set of ICP-OES measurements performed by the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB). CCQM-K143 showed that participants are capable of preparing calibration solutions starting from high purity, assayed copper metal.
Similar steps are involved when preparing solutions for other elements, so it seems safe to infer that similar capabilities should prevail when preparing many different, single-element solutions.
The continuous improvement of analytical procedures using multi-collector technologies in ICP-mass spectrometry has led to an increased demand for isotope standards with improved homogeneity and reduced measurement uncertainty. For magnesium, this has led to a variety of available standards with different quality levels ranging from artefact standards to isotope reference materials certified for absolute isotope ratios. This required an intercalibration of all standards and reference materials, which we present in this interlaboratory comparison study. The materials Cambridge1, DSM3, ERMAE143, ERM-AE144, ERM-AE145, IRMM-009 and NIST SRM 980 were cross-calibrated with expanded measurement uncertainties (95% confidence level) of less than 0.030‰ for the δ25/24Mg values and less than 0.037‰ for the δ26/24Mg values. Thus, comparability of all magnesium isotope delta (δ) measurements based on these standards and reference materials is established. Further, ERM-AE143 anchors all magnesium δ-scales to absolute isotope ratios and therefore establishes SI traceability, here traceability to the SI base unit mole. This applies especially to the DSM3 scale, which is proposed to be maintained. With ERM-AE144 and ERM-AE145, which are product and educt of a sublimation-condensation process, for the first time a set of isotope reference materials is available with a published value for the apparent triple isotope fractionation exponent θapp, the fractionation relationship ln α(25/24Mg)/ln α(26/24Mg).
The theory of a new calibration approach for obtaining absolute isotope ratios of multi-isotopic elements without the use of any standard has been developed. The calibration approach basically uses the difference in the instrumental isotope fractionation of two different types of mass spectrometers, leading to two different fractionation lines in a three-isotope diagram. When measuring the same sample with both mass spectrometers, the different fractionation lines have one point in common: this is the ‘true’ logarithmized isotope ratio pair of the sample. Thus, the intersection of both fractionation lines provides us with the absolute isotope ratios of the sample. This theory has been tested in practice by measuring Cd and of Pb isotope ratios in the certified reference materials BAM-I012 and NIST SRM981 by thermal ionization mass spectrometry and by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry while varying the ionization conditions for both mass spectrometers. With this experiment, the theory could be verified, and absolute isotope ratios were obtained, which were metrologically compatible with the certified isotope ratios. The so-obtained absolute isotope ratios are biased by − 0.5% in average, which should be improved with further developments of the method. This calibration approach is universal, as it can be applied to all elements with three or more isotopes and it is not limited to the type of mass spectrometers applied; it can be applied as well to secondary ion mass spectrometry or others. Additionally, this approach provides information on the fractionation process itself via the triple-isotope fractionation exponent θ.
An international comparison study on the accurate determination of the molar mass M(Si) of silicon artificially enriched in 28Si (x(28Si) > 0.9999 mol mol−1) has been completed. The measurements were part of the high level CCQM-P160 pilot study assessing the ability of National Metrology Institutes (NMIs) and Designated Institutes (DIs) to make such measurements at the lowest possible levels of measurement uncertainty and to identify possible difficulties when measuring this kind of sample. This study supports the molar mass measurements critical to disseminating the silicon route to realizing the new definitions for the kilogram and the mole. Measurements were also made by one external research institute and an external company. The different institutes were free to choose their experimental (mass spectrometric) set-ups and equipment, thereby enabling also the comparison of different techniques. The investigated material was a chemically pure, polycrystalline silicon material. The subsequent modified single crystalline secondary product of this material was intended for the production of silicon which was used for two additional spheres in the context of the redetermination of the Avogadro constant NA, required for the revision of the International System of Units (SI) via fundamental constants which came into force from May 2019. The CCQM pilot study was organized by Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB). Aqueous silicon solutions were shipped to all participating institutions. The data analysis as well as the uncertainty modelling and calculation of the results was predefined. The participants were provided with an uncertainty budget as a GUM Workbench® file as well as a free software license for the duration of the comparison. The agreement of the values of the molar mass (M(Si) = 27.976 942 577 g mol−1) was excellent with ten out of 11 results reported within the range of relative uncertainty of 1 × 10−8 required
for the revision of the SI.
The determination of the mass fractions of bromide, sulfate, and lead as well as the isotopic composition of the lead (expressed as the molar mass and the amount fractions of all four stable lead isotopes) in an aqueous solution of sodium chloride with a mass fraction of 0.15 g/g was the subject of this comparison. Even though the mass fractions ranged from 3 μg/g (bromide) to 50 ng/g (lead), almost all results reported agreed with the according KCRVs.
In the past, δ26/24Mg measurements were referenced to NIST SRM 980, the initial zero of the δ26/24Mg scale. With the development of MC-ICPMS, the detection of small but measurable isotopic differences in different chips of SRM 980 became apparent. To solve this problem a suite of magnesium isotope reference materials, ERM-AE143, -AE144 and -AE145, has been certified in a first study by applying an ab initio calibration for absolute Mg isotope ratios without any a priori assumptions, a procedure which fulfils all requirements of a primary method of measurement. We could achieve for the first time measurement uncertainties for isotope amount ratios close to the typical precision of magnesium delta values, δ26/24Mg, which are at the 0.1 ‰ level (2SD). In addition, it was demonstrated that commonly used fractionation laws are invalid for correcting Mg isotope ratios in multi-collector ICPMS as they result in a bias which is not covered by its associated uncertainty. Depending on their type, fractionation laws create a bias up to several per mil, with the exponential law showing the smallest bias between 0.1 ‰ to 0.7 ‰.
With these isotope reference materials, it is possible to establish SI-traceability for magnesium delta measurements. To realize this, we organized a second study within which five expert laboratories participated to cross-calibrate all available magnesium isotope standards, which are NIST SRM 980, IRMM-009, ERM-AE143, ERM-AE144, ERM-AE145 and the standards DSM3 and Cambridge-1. The mean δ26/24Mg values for the individual iRMs, calculated from the laboratory means show 2 SD reproducibilities varying between 0.025 and 0.093 ‰. Propagated measurement uncertainties suggest a standard uncertainty of about 0.1‰ for δ26/24Mg determinations (2SD). Thus, SI traceability for magnesium isotope amount ratios and delta values is demonstrated to be established.
The Uncertainty Paradox: Molar Mass of Enriched Versus Natural Silicon Used in the XRCD Method
(2020)
The X-ray crystal density method uses silicon spheres highly enriched in 28Si as a primary method for the dissemination of the SI base unit kilogram yielding smallest possible uncertainties associated with the mass m within a few parts in 10-8. This study compares different available and newly developed analytical methods and their results for the determination of the molar mass M of silicon highly enriched in 28Si (Me) and of silicon (Mx) with an almost natural isotopic distribution. While for Me relative uncertainties urel(Me) in the lower 10-9 range are obtained routinely, it was not possible to fall below a value of urel(Mx) < 4 x 10-6 in the case of natural silicon, which is approximately three orders of magnitude larger. The application of the state-of the-art isotope ratio mass spectrometry accompanied with sophisticated thoroughly investigated methods suggests an intrinsic cause for the large uncertainty associated with the molar mass of natural silicon compared to the enriched material.
An introduction into absolute isotope ratios is given, with application fields ranging from fundamental science to geochronology and forensics. This is followed by a proposal for developing new calibration approaches for obtaining absolute isotope ratios at unrivaled uncertainty levels. This new developments will set the basis for improvements in all scientific fields.
The quantification of the sulphur mass fraction in pure copper and copper alloys by GDMS and LA-ICP-MS revealed a lack of traceability mainly due to a lack of suitable certified reference materials for calibrating the instruments. Within this study GDMS and LA-ICP-MS were applied as routine analytical tools to quantify sulphur in copper samples by applying reference materials as calibrators, which were characterized for their sulphur mass fraction by IDMS beforehand. Different external calibration strategies were applied including a matrix cross type calibration. Both techniques with all calibration strategies were validated by using certified reference materials (others than those used for calibration) and good agreement with the reference values was achieved except for the matrix cross type calibration, for which the agreement was slightly worse. All measurement results were accompanied by an uncertainty statement. For GDMS, the relative expanded (k = 2) measurement uncertainty ranged from 3% to 7%, while for LA-ICP-MS it ranged from 11% to 33% when applying matrix-matched calibration in the sulphur mass fraction range between 25 mg kg-1 and 1300 mg kg-1. For cross-type calibration the relative expanded (k = 2) measurement uncertainty need to be increased to at least 12% for GDMS and to at least 54% for LA-ICP-MS to yield metrological compatibility with the reference values. The so obtained measurement results are traceable to the international system of units (SI) via IDMS reference values, which is clearly illustrated by the unbroken chain of calibrations in the metrological traceability scheme.
With the aim of identifying the origin and the manufacturer of a cement, a reliable procedure that provides unambiguous results is needed. Such procedure could resolve practical issues in damage research, liability issues and forensic investigations. A substantial number of attempts for fingerprinting of building materials, including cement, has already been carried out during the last decades. Most of them were based on concentration analysis of the main elements/components. This review provides an overview of provenance studies of cement and the main approaches commonly used. Provenance studies of cement via isotope techniques are also presented and discussed as representatives of the state-of-the-art in the field. Due to the characteristic properties and the occurrence of carefully selected isotope ratios, unique fingerprints of different kinds of materials can be provided by these methods. This property has largely been explored in various scientific fields such as geo- and cosmochemistry, food forensics, archaeology, geochronology, biomedical studies, and climate change processes. However, the potential of isotope techniques in cement and concrete research for provenance studies has barely been investigated.
Therefore, the review outlines a suitable approach using isotope ratios, which could lead to reliable provenancing of cementitious materials in the future.
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by accumulation of tau and amyloid-beta in the brain, and recent evidence suggests a correlation between associated protein aggregates and trace elements, such as copper, iron and zinc. In AD, distorted brain redox homeostasis and complexation by amyloid-beta and hyperphosphorylated tau May alter the isotopic composition of essential mineral elements. Therefore, high-precision isotopic analysis may reveal changes in the homeostasis of these elements. We used inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS)-based techniques to determine the total Cu, Fe and Zn contents in the brain, as well as their isotopic compositions in both mouse brain and serum.
Results for male transgenic tau (Line 66, L66) and amyloid/presenilin (5xFAD) mice were compared to those for the corresponding age- and gendermatched wild-type control mice (WT). Our data show that L66 brains showed significantly higher Fe levels than the corresponding WT. Significantly less Cu, but more Zn was found in 5xFAD brains. We observed significantly lighter isotopic compositions of Fe (enrichment in the lighter isotopes) in the brain, and in serum of L66 mice compared to WT. For 5xFAD mice, Zn exhibited a trend towards a lighter isotopic composition in brain and a heavier isotopic composition in serum compared to WT. Neither mouse model yielded differences in the isotopic composition of Cu. Our findings indicate significant pathology-specific alterations of Fe and Zn brain homeostasis in mouse models of AD. The associated changes in isotopic composition May serve as a marker for proteinopathies Underlying AD and other types of dementia.
A recently introduced inductively coupled plasma-time-of-flight-mass spectrometer (ICP-ToF-MS) shows enhanced sensitivity compared to previous developments and superior isotope ratio precision compared to other ToF and commonly used single-collector ICP-MS instruments. Following this fact, an improvement for isotope dilution ICP-MS using the new instrumentation has been reported. This study aimed at investigating whether this improvement also meets the requirements of species-specific isotope dilution using GC/ICP-MS, where short transient signals are recorded. The results of the analysis of monomethylmercury (MMHg) of a sediment reference material show that isotope ratio precision of ICP-MS instruments equipped with quadrupole, sector-field, and time-of-flight mass analyzers is similar within a broad range of peak signal-to-noise ratio when analyzing one isotopic system. The procedural limit of quantification (LOQ) for MMHg, expressed as mass fraction of Hg being present as MMHg, w(Hg)MMHg, was similar as well for all investigated instruments and ranged between 0.003 and 0.016 μg/kg. Due to the simultaneous detection capability, the ICP-ToF-MS might, however, be more favorable when several isotopic systems are analyzed within one measurement. In a case study, the GC/ICP-ToF-MS coupling was applied for analysis of MMHg in sediments of Finow Canal, a historic German canal heavily polluted with mercury. Mass fractions between 0.180 and 41 μg/kg (w(Hg)MMHg) for MMHg, and 0.056 and 126 mg/kg (w(Hg)total) for total mercury were found in sediment samples taken from the canal upstream and downstream of a former chemical plant.
A new method combining isotope dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS) and standard addition has been developed to determine the mass fractions w of different elements in complex matrices: (a) silicon in aqueous tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH), (b) sulfur in biodiesel fuel, and (c) iron bound to transferrin in human serum. All measurements were carried out using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP–MS). The method requires the gravimetric preparation of several blends (bi)—each consisting of roughly the same masses (mx,i) of the sample solution (x) and my,i of a spike solution (y) plus different masses (mz,i) of a reference solution (z).
Only these masses and the isotope ratios (Rb,i) in the blends and reference and spike solutions have to be measured. The derivation of the underlying equations based on linear regression is presented and compared to a related concept reported by Pagliano and Meija. The uncertainties achievable, e.g., in the case of the Si blank in extremely pure TMAH of urel (w(Si)) = 90% (linear regression method, this work) and urel (w(Si)) = 150% (the method reported by Pagliano and Meija) seem to suggest better applicability of the new method in practical use due to the higher robustness of regression analysis.
The therapeutic dose of lithium (Li) compounds, which are widely used for the treatment of psychiatric and hematologic disorders, is close to its toxic level; therefore, drug monitoring protocols are mandatory. Herein, we propose a fast, simple, and low-cost analytical procedure for the traceable determination of Li concentration in human serum, based on the monitoring of the Li isotope dilution through the partially resolved isotope shift in its electronic transition around 670.80 nm using a commercially available high-resolution continuum source graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer. With this technique, serum samples only require acidic digestion before analysis. The procedure requires three measurements—an enriched 6Li spike, a mixture of a certified standard solution and spike, and a mixture of the sample and spike with a nominal 7Li/6Li ratio of 0.82. Lanthanum has been used as an internal spectral standard for wavelength correction. The spectra are described as the linear superposition of the contributions of the respective isotopes, each consisting of a spin-orbit doublet, which can be expressed as Gaussian components with constant spectral position and width and different relative intensity, reflecting the isotope ratio in the sample. Both the spectral constants and the correlation between isotope ratio and relative band intensity have been experimentally obtained using commercially available materials enriched with Li isotopes. The Li characteristic mass (mc) obtained corresponds to 0.6 pg. The procedure has been validated using five human serum certified reference materials. The results are metrologically comparable and compatible to the certified values. The measurement uncertainties are comparable to those obtained by the more complex and expensive technique, isotope dilution mass spectrometry.
An alternative method for lithium isotope amount ratio analysis based on a combination of high-resolution atomic absorption spectrometry and spectral data analysis by machine learning (ML) is proposed herein. It is based on the well-known isotope shift of approximately 15 pm for the electronic transition 22P←22S at around the wavelength of 670.8 nm, which can be measured by the state-of-the-art high-resolution continuum source graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. For isotope amount ratio analysis, a scalable tree boosting ML algorithm (XGBoost) was employed and calibrated using a set of samples with 6Li isotope amount fractions, ranging from 0.06 to 0.99 mol mol–1, previously determined by a multicollector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (MC-ICP-MS). The calibration ML model was validated with two certified reference materials (LSVEC and IRMM-016). The procedure was applied toward the isotope amount ratio determination of a set of stock chemicals (Li2CO3, LiNO3, LiCl, and LiOH) and a BAM candidate reference material NMC111 (LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2), a Li-battery cathode material. The results of these determinations were compared with those obtained by MC-ICP-MS and found to be metrologically comparable and compatible. The residual bias was −1.8‰, and the precision obtained ranged from 1.9 to 6.2‰. This precision was sufficient to resolve naturally occurring variations, as demonstrated for samples ranging from approximately −3 to +15‰. To assess its suitability to technical applications, the NMC111 cathode candidate reference material was analyzed using high-resolution continuum source atomic absorption spectrometry with and without matrix purification. The results obtained were metrologically compatible with each other.
The calibration of isotope ratio measurements is an ongoing challenge since instrumental isotope fractionation (IIF) has been detected in mass spectrometry (MS). There is a variety of approaches which either bypass IIF such as delta measurements or refer to reference materials (RMs) and thus shifting the problem of calibration to somebody else: the RM producer. For certifying isotope RMs with absolute isotope ratios only a few approaches are available, namely the isotope mixture approach, the double spike approach, the mass bias regression model and total evaporation in TIMS. All of them require either enriched isotopes, isotope RMs of another element or an RM for correcting residual error. As the enriched isotopes required for the isotope mixture and the double spike approach need to be fully characterized beforehand, all mentioned calibration approaches require a standard.
Here, a new and standard-free calibration approach for obtaining absolute isotope ratios of multi-isotopic elements has been developed. The underlying principle is that each MS suffers from IIF and thus yields a specific isotope fractionation line in a three-isotope diagram. When applying a second MS featuring a different ionization mechanism, we obtain a second isotope fractionation line with a different slope in the same three-isotope diagram. In both cases the absolute isotope ratios range somewhere on the isotope fractionation line. Consequentially, the intersect of both lines yield the absolute isotope ratios of the measured sample. This theory has been tested by measuring Cd and Pb isotope ratios of suitable isotope RMs with a TIMS and an ICP-MS, both equipped with multi-collector array. During the measurements the ionization conditions were changed such that different extent of the isotope fractionation has been achieved. With the resulting data set the theory described above could be verified. The obtained absolute isotope ratios were metrologically compatible with the certified isotope ratios. The remaining average bias of -5 ‰ can be reduced with further improvements. The calibration approach is universal and can be applied to any multi-isotopic element and it is not limited by the type of the mass spectrometer.
Stable isotope ratios and trace element concentrations of fossil bones and teeth are important geochemical proxies for the reconstruction of diet and past environment in archaeology and palaeontology. However, since diagenesis can significantly alter primary diet-related isotope signatures and elemental compositions, it is important to understand and quantify alteration processes. Here, we present the results of in-vitro Alteration experiments of dental tissues from a modern African elephant molar reacted in aqueous solutions at 30 °C and 90 °C for 4 to 63 days. Dental cubes with ≈ 3 mm edge length, comprising both enamel and dentin, were placed into 2 mL of acidic aqueous solution enriched in different isotopes (25Mg, 44Ca, 67Zn, 86Sr, initial pH 1). Element and isotope distribution profiles across the reacted cubes were measured with LA-(MC-)ICP-MS and EMPA, while potential effects on the bioapatite crystal structure were characterised by Raman spectroscopy. In all experiments isotope ratios measured by LA-(MC-)ICP-MS revealed an alteration of the enamel in the outer ≈ 200–300 μm. In contrast, dentin was fully altered (≈ 1.4 mm) after one week at 90 °C while the alteration did not exceed a depth of 150–200 μm during the 30 °C experiments. Then, the tracer solution started also to penetrate through the enamel-dentin junction into the innermost enamel, however, leaving the central part of the enamel unaltered, even after three months. The Raman spectra suggest an initial demineralisation in the acidic environment while organic matter (i.e. collagen) is still preserved. In the 90 °C experiment, Raman spectra of the v1 PO4) band of the dentin shift over time towards synthetic hydroxylapatite patterns and the Ca (and Sr) concentrations in the respective solutions decrease. This indicates precipitation of newly formed apatite. Isotope and element concentration profiles across the dental tissues reveal different exchange mechanisms for different isotope systems. Magnesium is leached from enamel and dentin, while Zn is incorporated into the apatite crystal structure. However, the distribution of both elements is not affected in the innermost enamel where their concentrations do not change over the whole duration of the experiments. We found no correlation of reaction depth in the cubes and experimental duration, which might be caused by natural variability of the dental material already at the beginning of the experiment. Our alteration experiments in a closed system at high temperatures ≤90 °C and low initial pH demonstrate that at least the central part of mm-thick mammalian enamel apatite seems to be resistant against alteration preserving its pristine bioapatite mineral structure as well as its in-vivo elemental and isotopic composition. The experiments assess diagenetic alteration in a novel multi-proxy approach using in-situ analyses in high spatial resolution. It is demonstrated that the isotopes of Ca, Sr, Zn and
Mg in the dentin are prone for diagenetic alteration, while enamel is more resistant against alteration and could be used for dietary and physiological reconstructions in fossil teeth.
The presentations gives a short introduction into isotope analysis illustrated by examples from archaeology, food provenancing and metrology. In the main part current projects on the provenance determination of cement, the intercalibration of Mg isotope reference materials and the development of a new calibration approach for isotope measurements are presented.
Technologie-kritische Elemente (TCE) sind unentbehrliche Materialien für High-Tech Produkte wie Smartphones, Notebooks und Monitors. Ihr Bedarf wird voraussichtlich aufgrund des gesellschaftlichen Wandels hin zu einer grünen Ökonomie exponentiell ansteigen. Dieser Wandel wird vor allem auch durch erneuerbare Energien und Elektromobilität geprägt (European Green Deal). Diese Entwicklung in Verbindung mit einer nahezu fehlenden TCE Produktion in Europa setzt den Markt unter Druck und führt zu steigenden Preisen. Die Sicherung des TCE Nachschubs wurde in der gegenwärtigen Gesundheitskrise noch dringender und wurde daher auch zu einem der Hauptthemen des COVID-19 Recovery Plan, der eine Stärkung der europäischen Resilienz und Autonomie zum Ziel hat. Ein nachhaltige Lösung ist das Recycling der Abfall- bzw. Wertstoffe und letztendlich eine Circular Economy. Allerdings ist die Analyse von Abfallströmen schwierig und erfordert geeignete analytische Lösungen, die SI-rückführbare und somit vergleichbare Messergebnisse im gesamten Recyclingprozess ermöglichen. Die dafür erforderlichen, für TCE zertifizierte, Referenzmaterialien und nötige standardisierte Verfahren fehlen bisher nahezu vollständig. In diesem Beitrag werden die analytischen Herausforderungen, wie z.B. die extreme Heterogenität der Materialien, Schwierigkeiten beim Probenaufschluss und das Fehlen von Referenzmaterialien diskutiert. Und es wird das EMPIR-Projekt MetroCycleEU vorgestellt, dessen Ziel es ist Referenz- und Routineverfahren für ausgewählte TCE (Co, Ga, Ge, In, Ta, Nd, Pr, Dy, Gd, La, Au, Pt, Pd, Rh) zu entwickeln und Referenzmaterialien für Platinen, LEDs und Li-Batterien bereitzustellen.
Introduction: The influence of copper, iron and zinc concentrations on the formation of ß-amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is widely discussed in the community. The results from human and animal studies so far are mixed with some studies showing a correlation and others not. From a number of studies, it is known that disease state and isotopic composition of essential elements can be coupled.
Aim: The aim of the study was to identify changes in element content and isotopic composition in two transgenic mouse models used in AD research compared to their genetic WT relatives and to establish whether element content and isotopic signature between different laboratories is comparable.
Methods: ß-amyloid (5xFAD) and tau overexpressing (L66) mice together with their matching wild-types were bred at dedicated facilities in accordance with the European Communities Council Directive (63/2010/EU). Serum and brain were sampled after sacrifice and the samples distributed among the participants of the study. The tissues were acid digested for total element determination and high-precision isotope ratio determination. Element content was determined by either sector-field or quadrupole-based inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS). For the determination of isotope ratios multi-collector ICPMS was used.
Results: Total copper content was significantly higher for L66 and their matched WT compared to 5xFAD and WT. Brains of L66 mice contained more Fe in brain than their WT, Zn and Cu were not significantly different between L66 and WT. Whereas 5xFAD mice had a slightly lower Cu and slightly higher Zn concentration in brain compared to WT. The isotopic signature in brain of L66 mice for Fe was different from their controls, whereas Zn isotope ratios were influenced in 5xFAD mice compared to their WT. The Cu isotopic ratio did not seem to be influenced in either strain. In serum, the shifts were less pronounced.
Conclusion: Even though neither Tau-protein nor amyloid precursor protein are known to be metal-dependent / -containing proteins, the overexpression of both influences the Fe, Cu and Zn metabolism in brain and to some extent also in serum as can be seen not only using total element determination but probably more clearly studying the isotopic signature of Fe, Cu and Zn.
Isotope reference materials
(2022)
The variation of isotope ratios is increasingly used to unravel natural and technical questions. In the past, the investigation and interpretation of such variations was the field of a limited number of experts. With new upcoming techniques and research topics in the last decades, such as provenance or food authenticity studies, the number of published isotope data strongly increased. Instrumental developments such as the enhancement of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometers (ICP-MS) from an instrument for simple quantitative analysis to highly sophisticated isotope ratio machines influenced this process significantly. While in former times only experts in mass spectrometry were able to produce reliable isotope data, nowadays many laboratories, never been in touch with mass spectrometry before, produce isotope data with an ICP-MS. Isotope reference materials (iCRM) are indispensable to enable a reliable method validation or in rare cases even SI-traceability. The fast development and the broad availability of ICP-MS also lead to an expansion of the classical research areas and new elements are under investigation. Irrespective of the investigated element or the knowledge of the user all isotope ratio applications require reference materials either for correction of instrumental isotope fractionation, for method validation or to provide a common accepted basis as needed for delta measurements. This presentation will outline the basic principles and illustrate the urgent need for new iCRMs. Consequently, the production and certification of iCRMs will be discussed and illustrated by examples of already completed certification projects. Finally, plans for future iCRMs to be produced at BAM will be presented.
The study, dedicated to Beautiful Pietàs conserved in South Tyrol (Northern Italy), aims to establish, for the first time, a connection between Austroalpine raw materials and the high-fired gypsum mortars constituting the Gothic figure groups in question. The origin and chronology of this stylistically and qualitatively differing ensemble have been subject of art historical debate for nearly a century. The discourse is dominated by three main hypotheses: itinerary of an Austrian artist versus itinerary of the work of art created in an artist’s workshop in Austria versus itinerary of the stylistic vocabulary via graphical or three-dimensional models. The comparison of the δ34S values and the 87Sr/86Sr ratios of the gypsum mortars and Austroalpine sulphate deposits (in a compilation of own reference samples and literature data) points to the exploitation of sediments in the Salzkammergut and possibly also in the evaporite district of the Eastern Calcareous Alps, thus evidencing the import of the sculptures and not the activities of local South Tyrolean or itinerant artists. Two geochronological units are distinguishable: The Pietà in the Church St. Martin in Göflan can be assigned to Upper Permian raw material, whereas the metrologically consistent sculptures in the Church of Our Lady of the Benedictine Abbey Marienberg and in the Chapel St. Ann in Mölten correlate with deposits of the Early Triassic (or the Lower-Middle Triassic transition). The medieval gypsum mortars also differ in their mineralogical characteristics, i.e. in their geologically related minor components, as in the first case, characterised by a significant proportion of primary anhydrite, natural carbonate impurities mainly consist of calcite (partly converted to lime-lump-like aggregates), whereas in the second group dolomite (or rather its hydration products after pyrometamorphic decomposition) predominates, accompanied by celestine, quartz and potassium feldspar. The Pietà in the Cathedral Maria Himmelfahrt in Bozen turned out to be made of Breitenbrunn calcareous sandstone (Leitha Mountains, Burgenland, Austria), which is why the sample is not considered in the geochemical analysis.
The 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratio can, in principle, be used for provenancing of cement. However, while commercial cements consist of multiple components, no detailed investigation into their individual 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratios or their influence on the integral 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratio of the resulting cement was conducted previously. Therefore, the present study aimed at determining and comparing the conventional 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratios of a diverse set of Portland cements and their corresponding Portland clinkers, the major component of these cements. Two approaches to remove the additives from the cements, i.e. to measure the conventional 87Sr/86Sr isotopic fingerprint of the clinker only, were tested, namely, treatment with a potassium hydroxide/sucrose solution and sieving on a 11-µm sieve. Dissolution in concentrated hydrochloric acid/nitric acid and in diluted nitric acid was employed to determine the 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratios of the cements and the individual clinkers. The aim was to find the most appropriate sample preparation procedure for cement provenancing, and the selection was realised by comparing the 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratios of differently treated cements with those of the corresponding clinkers. None of the methods to separate the clinkers from the cements proved to be satisfactory. However, it was found that the 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratios of clinker and cement generally corresponded, meaning that the latter can be used as a proxy for the clinker 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratio. Finally, the concentrated hydrochloric acid/nitric acid dissolution method was found to be the most suitable sample preparation method for the cements; it is thus recommended for 87Sr/86Sr isotope analyses for cement provenancing.
The Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) organised an interlaboratory comparison (ILC) for the characterisation of 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratios in limestone (IAG/CGL ML-3) and Penrhyn slate (IAG OU-6) reference materials by applying the conventional method for 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratios. Samples were sent to thirteen analytical laboratories . Since both samples are powdered, rock materials, dissolution of the sample and Sr isolation via ion exchange chromatography were mandatory. This was done using acid, microwave/acid, bomb/acid digestion or borate fusion and subsequent isolation of Sr by means of commercially available ion exchange resins. In this study, we present and discuss the potential effects that differences between laboratories, and between two instrumental measurement techniques (i.e., MC-ICP-MS and MC-TIMS), may have upon the dispersion of measurement results of the 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratio in the two aforementioned reference materials. We used a statistical mixed effects model to assess the potential effects of both the laboratory and the measurement technique. Consensus values for both materials and associated standard uncertainties {(IAG/CGL ML-3 (0.708245±0.000004) mol/mol; IAG OU-6 (0.729769±0.000008) mol/mol} were estimated by fitting a linear, Gaussian mixed effects model (Pinheiro and Bates 2000) using the R function “lmer” defined in package “lme4”. The statistical results showed that there is no significant effect attributable to differences between instrumental techniques when both materials are considered together, or separately. The p-value of the test of significance of the measurement technique effect is greater than 0.54. For both materials there were statistically significant effects attributable to differences between laboratories when the measurement results for both materials were considered together and separately. This effect is less than 0.00004 in absolute value. However, for neither material did consideration or disregard for such differences induce significant changes in the estimate of the consensus value for the 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratio. Therefore, the effects attributable to differences between instrumental techniques or between laboratories can safely be disregarded when computing the best estimate for the true value of 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratio in these materials, by the community of expert laboratories represented in this study.
Following the reviews of atomic-weight determinations and other cognate data in 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2021, the IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) Commission on Isotopic Abundances and Atomic Weights (CIAAW) reports changes of standard atomic weights. The symbol Ar(E) was selected for standard atomic weight of an element to distinguish it from the atomic weight of an element E in a specific substance P, designated Ar(E, P). The CIAAW has changed the values of the standard atomic weights of five elements based on recent determinations of terrestrial isotopic abundances:
Ar (argon): from 39.948 ± 0.001 to [39.792, 39.963]
Hf (hafnium): from 178.49 ± 0.02 to 178.486 ± 0.006
Ir (iridium): from 192.217 ± 0.003 to 192.217 ± 0.002
Pb (lead): from 207.2 ± 0.1 to [206.14, 207.94]
Yb (ytterbium): from 173.054 ± 0.005 to 173.045 ± 0.010
The standard atomic weight of argon and lead have changed to an interval to reflect that the natural variation in isotopic composition exceeds the measurement uncertainty of Ar(Ar) and Ar(Pb) in a specific substance. The standard atomic weights and/or the uncertainties of fourteen elements have been changed based on the Atomic Mass Evaluations 2016 and 2020 accomplished under the auspices of the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP). Ar of Ho, Tb, Tm and Y were changed in 2017 and again updated in 2021:
Al (aluminium), 2017: from 26.981 5385 ± 0.000 0007 to 26.981 5384 ± 0.000 0003
Au (gold), 2017: from 196.966 569 ± 0.000 005 to 196.966 570 ± 0.000 004
Co (cobalt), 2017: from 58.933 194 ± 0.000 004 to 58.933 194 ± 0.000 003
F (fluorine), 2021: from 18.998 403 163 ± 0.000 000 006 to 18.998 403 162 ± 0.000 000 005
(Ho (holmium), 2017: from 164.930 33 ± 0.000 02 to 164.930 328 ± 0.000 007)
Ho (holmium), 2021: from 164.930 328 ± 0.000 007 to 164.930 329 ± 0.000 005
Mn (manganese), 2017: from 54.938 044 ± 0.000 003 to 54.938 043 ± 0.000 002
Nb (niobium), 2017: from 92.906 37 ± 0.000 02 to 92.906 37 ± 0.000 01
Pa (protactinium), 2017: from 231.035 88 ± 0.000 02 to 231.035 88 ± 0.000 01
Pr (praseodymium), 2017: from 140.907 66 ± 0.000 02 to 140.907 66 ± 0.000 01
Rh (rhodium), 2017: from 102.905 50 ± 0.000 02 to 102.905 49 ± 0.000 02
Sc (scandium), 2021: from 44.955 908 ± 0.000 005 to 44.955 907 ± 0.000 004
(Tb (terbium), 2017: from 158.925 35 ± 0.000 02 to 158.925 354 ± 0.000 008)
Tb (terbium), 2021: from 158.925 354 ± 0.000 008 to 158.925 354 ± 0.000 007
(Tm (thulium), 2017: from 168.934 22 ± 0.000 02 to 168.934 218 ± 0.000 006)
Tm (thulium), 2021: from 168.934 218 ± 0.000 006 to 168.934 219 ± 0.000 005
(Y (yttrium), 2017: from 88.905 84 ± 0.000 02 to 88.905 84 ± 0.000 01)
Y (yttrium), 2021: from 88.905 84 ± 0.000 01 to 88.905 838 ± 0.000 002
The present Table of Standard Atomic Weights (TSAW) of the elements is perhaps one of the most familiar data sets in science. Unlike most parameters in physical science whose values and uncertainties are evaluated using the “Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement” (GUM), the majority of standard atomic weight values and their uncertainties are consensus values, not GUM-evaluated values. The Commission on Isotopic Abundances and Atomic Weights of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) regularly evaluates the literature for new isotopic-abundance measurements that can lead to revised standard atomic-weight values, Ar(E) for element E.
The Commission strives to provide utmost clarity in products it disseminates, namely the TSAW and the Table of Isotopic Compositions of the Elements (TICE). In 2016, the Commission recognized that a guideline recommending the expression of uncertainty listed in parentheses following the standard atomic-weight value, for example, Ar(Se) = 78.971(8), did not agree with the GUM, which suggests that this parenthetic notation be reserved to express standard uncertainty, not the expanded uncertainty used in the TSAW and TICE. In 2017, to eliminate this noncompliance with the GUM, a new format was adopted in which the uncertainty value is specified by the “±” symbol, for example, Ar(Se) = 78.971 ± 0.008. To clarify the definition of uncertainty, a new footnote has been added to the TSAW. This footnote emphasizes that an atomic-weight uncertainty is a consensus (decisional) uncertainty. Not only has the Commission shielded users of the TSAW and TICE from unreliable measurements that appear in the literature as a result of unduly small uncertainties, but the aim of IUPAC has been fulfilled by which any scientist, taking any natural sample from commerce or research, can expect the sample atomic weight to lie within Ar(E) ± its uncertainty almost all of the time.
Isotope ratio applications are on the increase and a major part of which are delta measurements, because they are easier to perform than the determination of absolute isotope ratios while offering lower measurement uncertainties. Delta measurements use artefact-based scales and therefore scale conversions are required due to the lack of the scale defining standards. Such scale conversions often form the basis for comparing data being generated in numerous projects andtherefore need to be as accurate as possible. In practice, users are tempted to apply linear approximations, which are not sufficiently exact, because delta values are defined by nonlinear relationships. The bias of such approximations often is beyond typical measurement uncertainties and its extent can hardly be predicted. Therefore, exact calculations are advised. Here, the exact equations and the bias of the approximations are presented, and calculations are illustrated by real-world examples. Measurement uncertainty is indispensable in this context and therefore, its calculation is described as well for determining delta values but also for scale conversions. Approaches for obtaining a single delta measurement and for repeated measurements are presented. For the latter case, a new approach for calculating the measurement uncertainty is presented, which considers covariances between the isotope ratios.
Despite numerous advantages offered by hyphenation of chromatography and electrokinetic separation methods with multicollector (MC) ICP-MS for isotope analysis, the main limitation of such systems is the decrease in precision and increase in uncertainty due to generation of short transient signals. To minimize this limitation, most authors compare several isotope ratio calculation methods and establish a multi-step data processing routine based on the precision and accuracy of the methods. However, to the best of our knowledge, there is no universal data processing tool available that incorporates all important steps of the treatment of the transient signals. Thus, we introduce a data processing application (App) IsoCor that facilitates automatic calculation of isotope ratios from transient signals and eases selection of the most suitable method. The IsoCor App performs baseline subtraction, peak detection, mass bias correction, isotope ratio calculation and delta calculation. The feasibility and reliability of the App was proven by reproducing the results from isotope analysis of three elements (neodymium, mercury and sulfur) measured on-line via hyphenated systems. The IsoCor App provides trackability of the results to ensure quality control of the analysis.
A new method combining isotope dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS) and standard addition has been developed to determine the mass fractions w of different elements in complex matrices: (a) silicon in aqueous tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH), (b) sulfur in biodiesel fuel, and (c) iron bound to transferrin in human serum. All measurements were carried out using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP–MS). The method requires the gravimetric preparation of several blends (bi)—each consisting of roughly the same masses (mx,i) of the sample solution (x) and my,i of a spike solution (y) plus different masses (mz,i) of a reference solution (z).
Only these masses and the isotope ratios (Rb,i) in the blends and reference and spike solutions have to be measured. The derivation of the underlying equations based on linear regression is presented and compared to a related concept reported by Pagliano and Meija. The uncertainties achievable, e.g., in the case of the Si blank in extremely pure TMAH of urel (w(Si)) = 90% (linear regression method, this work) and urel (w(Si)) = 150% (the method reported by Pagliano and Meija) seem to suggest better applicability of the new method in practical use due to the higher robustness of regression analysis.
Within this work, the combination of a microdroplet generator and an ICP-ToF-MS for nanoparticle analysis is presented. For the size determination of platinum nanoparticles an on-line isotope dilution analysis approach was developed. The 194Pt/195Pt isotopic ratio was used for the characterization of the particles, while the 182W/183W isotopic ratio was monitored simultaneously for mass bias correction. The on-line ID-MDG-sp-ICP-ToF-MS approach was deployed for the size determination of three platinum nanoparticle samples (50 nm, 63 nm, 70 nm); for validation, complementary size characterization techniques (sp-ICP-ToF-MS and TEM) were used. The robustness of this technique was evidenced, by using sodium chloride concentrations up to 100 mg L−1 as a matrix component. Our new on-line ID MDG-sp-ICP-ToF-MS approach is a promising tool for the fast and reliable determination of nanoparticles' size in severe matrix concentrations, e.g., environmental samples.
Thirteen laboratories participated in an international interlaboratory comparison for the determination of 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratios in four cement reference materials (RM) using the conventional method for 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratios analyses. Sample dissolution and Sr isolation via ion exchange chromatography were required since the cement samples were distributed as powders. Analytical preparation included the use of various digestion methods including mixed mineral acids, microwave/acid, bomb/acid digestion or borate fusion, followed by Sr separation using ion exchange chromatography. In this study, we evaluated whether any statistically significant differences were attributable to instrumental differences (i.e., MC-ICP-MS and MC-TIMS), or to laboratory-specific techniques (different sample preparation techniques, Sr isolation and the procedures for correcting the data outputs). To evaluate these effects, consensus values for cement RMs and associated standard uncertainties were estimated by fitting a linear, Gaussian mixed effects model using the R function “lmer” defined in package “lme4”. No statistically significant effects (SSE) attributable to instrumental differences regardless of whether the materials are considered together or separately were evident. There were SSE attributable to differences between laboratories for three cement RMs when the individual cements were considered separately. Since consideration or disregard for such differences does not induce significant changes in the estimate of the consensus values for the 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratios in cement RMs, these effects can safely be neglected when calculating the best estimates for the true values of 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratios in these RMs.
IRWG strategy update
(2022)
Boron isotope fractionation in soil-plant systems and its influence on biogeochemical cycling
(2022)
Boron (B) is an essential mineral nutrient for higher plants. Although B plant nutrition is well studied, the B isotope fractionation at the soil-plant interface, within plant metabolism, and its influence on biogeochemical cycling is not fully understood. Boron concentrations and isotope variations (δ11B) of the dicotyledonous plants of Chenopodium album and Brassica napus and their growing soils along a climatic gradient were analyzed to decipher these unresolved issues of the B behavior. The boron concentrations and δ11B values show an increasing trend from roots to leaves for both plants, while a decreasing trend from flower to shell and to seed for Brassica napus. A large boron isotope fractionation occurs within the plants with median Δ11Bleaf-root ≈ +20‰, which is related to different boron transporters and transportation ways. Formation of borate dimerized rhamnogalacturonan II in cell and B(OH)3 transportation in xylem lead to heavier δ11B values from root to stem and leaf while B(OH)4 transportation in phloem lead to lighter δ11B values from flower to shell and seed. Although samples cover a distinct transect with systematically different climatic conditions, Δδ11B within the individual plant compartments and between the bulk plants and the soil available B do not show any systematic variation.
This suggests that B uptake from the soil into Chenopodium album and Brassica napus occurs without a distinct isotope fractionation at the soil-plant interface (median Δ11Bbulkplant-soil = 0.2‰) and plants are able to regulate boron uptake. Both the observed large B fractionation within plant and low or absent B isotope fractionation at the soil-plant interface may have profound implications for the biological and geological B cycle. If this observed boron behavior also exists in other plants, their litters would be an important source for exporting 11B-rich biological material from continental ecosystems via rivers to the global oceans. This may be helpful for the explanation of ocean B cycle and the increasing δ11B values over the Cenozoic.
Introduction: The influence of copper, iron and zinc concentrations on the formation of ß-amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is widely discussed in the community. The results from human and animal studies so far are mixed with some studies showing a correlation and others not. From a number of studies, it is known that disease state and isotopic composition of essential elements can be coupled.
Aim: The aim of the study was to identify changes in element content and isotopic composition in two transgenic mouse models used in AD research compared to their genetic WT relatives and to establish whether element content and isotopic signature between different laboratories is comparable.
Methods: ß-amyloid (5xFAD) and tau overexpressing (L66) mice together with their matching wild-types were bred at dedicated facilities in accordance with the European Communities Council Directive (63/2010/EU). Serum and brain were sampled after sacrifice and the samples distributed among the participants of the study. The tissues were acid digested for total element determination and high-precision isotope ratio determination. Element content was determined by either sector-field or quadrupole-based inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS). For the determination of isotope ratios multi-collector ICPMS was used.
Results: Total copper content was significantly higher for L66 and their matched WT compared to 5xFAD and WT. Brains of L66 mice contained more Fe in brain than their WT, Zn and Cu were not significantly different between L66 and WT. Whereas 5xFAD mice had a slightly lower Cu and slightly higher Zn concentration in brain compared to WT. The isotopic signature in brain of L66 mice for Fe was different from their controls, whereas Zn isotope ratios were influenced in 5xFAD mice compared to their WT . The Cu isotopic ratio did not seem to be influenced in either strain. In serum, the shifts were less pronounced.
Conclusion: Even though neither Tau-protein nor amyloid precursor protein are known to be metal-dependent / -containing proteins, the overexpression of both influences the Fe, Cu and Zn metabolism in brain and to some extent also in serum as can be seen not only using total element determination but probably more clearly studying the isotopic signature of Fe, Cu and Zn.
The need for quality assessment of anthropogenic impact on environmental pollution is increasing due to discharge from various industries, the use of chemicals in agriculture and the consumption of fossil fuels. Diminishing resources such as natural waters used for the cultivation of agricultural products, plant and animal habitats are under severe pollution pressure and are at constant risk. Several parameters, such as Pb, Cd, Ni, Hg were listed by Water Framework Directive in Directive(2008/105/EC) in the priority substances. Cadmium and Hg were identified as priority hazardous substances whereas As is an important contaminant for its potential toxicological and carcinogenic effects. An inter-comparison study is organised in EURAMET TC-MC in order to demonstrate the capability participants for measuring five elements in river water. The participants carried out measurements for analytes: Pb, Cd, Ni and As as mandatory elements, and Se as an optional one. Participants were asked to perform the measurements with respect to the protocol provided. To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database https://www.bipm.org/kcdb/.
The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCQM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
In the interest of exploring their potential in the field of single particle analysis, a Microdroplet Generator (MDG) was coupled to an ICP-ToF-MS. Isotopic Dilution Analysis was also incorporated for the size determination of three different Platinum nanoparticles samples (50, 63 and 70 nm). The performance of the technique was validated by comparison to traditional size characterization techniques (sp-ICP-ToF-MS, TEM), while the robustness of the technique was proven by incorporating NaCl in the samples’ matrix, up to 100 mg/L.
This presentation provides a short introduction to the Commission on Isotopic Abundances and Atomic Weights (CIAAW). It describes the role of the Commission and provides an insight into its work and the corresponding principal tasks. Finally, it provides the reader with the latest achievements and with the most recent publications.
Accurate and precise isotope ratio measurements of heavy elements are playing an increasinglyimportant role in modern analytical sciences and have numerous applications. Today, isotope ratio measurements are typically performed with two principal techniques: thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS) and multiple collector-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS). To obtain accurate results by mass spectrometry, isotopic certified reference materials (iCRMs) are needed for mass bias correction and for the validation of the method used for analysis.Thus, it is of paramount importance to achieve measurement comparability of all data reported, and to assess measurement capability of each CRM producer/National Metrology Institute (NMI). Therefore, the international comparison (CCQM-P213) was performed to assess the analytical capabilities of NMIs for the accurate determination of copper isotope ratio delta values in high purity materials. The study was proposed by the coordinating laboratories, National Research Council Canada (NRC), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM) and Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), as an activity of the Isotope Ratio Working Group (IRWG) of the Consultative Committee for Amount of Substance - Metrology in Chemistry and Biology (CCQM). Participants included six NMIs and one designated institute (DI) from the six countries. Although no measurement method was prescribed by the coordinating laboratories, MC-ICP-MS with either standard-sample bracketing (SSB) or combined SSB with internal normalization (C-SSBIN) models for mass bias correction were recommended. Results obtained from the six NMIs and one DI were in good agreement.
The performance of second generation ICP-TOFMS, equipped with a micro-channel plate (MCP) enabling multi-isotope detection, in terms of isotope ratio precision and instrumental isotopic fractionation (IIF) for (multi-)isotope ratio analysis was thoroughly assessed for B, Sr and Pb. Experimental isotope ratio precision of 0.14 % for 11B/10B intensity ratio, 0.15 % for 87Sr/86Sr intensity ratio and 0.07% for 208Pb/206Pb intensity ratio were obtained at high signal levels ($500 mg L−1) which is comparable to first generation ICP-TOFMS. The long-term stability of isotope ratios, measured over several hours and expressed as repeatability, is between 0.05 % and 1.8 % for B, Sr and Pb. The observed IIF per mass unit is negative for B (i.e., −11 % for 11B/10B) which is in accordance with measurements using sector field (MC) ICP-MS. But the observed IIF per mass unit is positive for Sr (i.e., 2 % for 87Sr/86Sr) and Pb (i.e., 4.5 % for 208Pb/206Pb) which is not in accordance with measurements using sector field (MC) ICP-MS. Furthermore, different IIFs per mass unit were observed for different isotope pairs of the same isotopic system (i.e., Sr, Pb) and adjacent isotopic systems (i.e., Pb vs. Tl). This and the observations from three-isotope plots for Sr and Pb show that ion formation, ion extraction, ion transmission, ion separation and ion detection in second generation ICP-TOFMS is subject to IIF that does not follow the known mass dependent fractionation laws and is possibly caused by mass independent fractionation and/or multiple (contradictory) fractionation processes with varying contributions. The non-mass dependent IIF behavior observed for second generation ICP TOFMS has profound consequences for the IIF correction of isotope raw data, including application of multi-isotope dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS) using ICP-TOFMS. Hence, only IIF correction models that correct also for mass independent fractionation are applicable to calculate reliable isotope ratios using second generation ICP-TOFMS. In the present study, reliable d11B values, and absolute B, Sr and Pb isotope ratios could be determined using the SSB approach in single-element solutions as well as in a mixture of B, Sr and Pb, where the isotopes were measured simultaneously.
The reference method for obtaining absolute isotope ratios still is the isotope mixture approach. Due the huge efforts required the full isotope mixture approach is applied only by a few institutes worldwide. To enable an IRWG key comparison with a sufficiently large number of participants a proposal for absolute cu isotope ratios is presented where participants will be provided with the enriched isotopes, the isotope mixtures and the samples. In parallel a pilot study will be organized where alternative approaches for obtaining absolute Cu isotope ratios can be applied.
This dataset represents the electronic supplementary material (ESM) of the publication entitled "Characterisation of conventional 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratios in cement, limestone and slate reference materials based on an interlaboratory comparison study", which is published in Geostandards and Geoanalytical Research under the DOI: 10.1111/GGR.12517. It consists of four files. 'ESM_Data.xlsx' contains all reported data of the participants, a description of the applied analytical procedures, basic calculations, the consensus values, and part of the uncertainty assessment. 'ESM_Figure-S1' displays a schematic on how measurements, sequences and replicates are treated for the uncertainty calculation carried out by PTB. 'ESM_Technical-protocol.pdf' is the technical protocol of the interlaboratory comparison, which has been provided to all participants together with the samples and which contains bedside others the definition of the measurand and guidelines for data assessment and calculations. 'ESM_Reporting-template.xlsx' is the Excel template which has been submitted to all participants for reporting their results within the interlaboratory comparison. Excel files with names of the the structure 'GeoReM_Material_Sr8786_Date.xlsx' represent the Rcon(87Sr/86Sr) data for a specific reference material downloaded from GeoReM at the specified date, e.g. 'GeoReM_IAPSO_Sr8786_20221115.xlsx' contains all Rcon(87Sr/86Sr) data for the IAPSO seawater standard listed in GeoReM until 15 November 2022.
An interlaboratory comparison (ILC)was organised to characterise 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratios in geological and industrial reference materials by applying the so-called conventional method for determining 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratios. Four cements (VDZ 100a,VDZ 200a, VDZ 300a, IAG OPC-1), one limestone (IAG CGL ML-3) and one slate (IAG OU-6) reference materials were selected, covering a wide range of naturally occurring Sr isotopic signatures. Thirteen laboratories received aliquots of these six reference materials together with a detailed technical protocol. The consensus values for the six reference materials and their associated measurement uncertainties were obtained by applying a Gaussian, linear mixed effects model fitted to all the measurement results. By combining the consensus values and their uncertainties with an uncertainty contribution for potential heterogeneity, reference values ranging from 0.708134 mol mol-1 to 0.729778 mol mol-1 were obtained with relative expanded uncertainties of ≤ 0.007 %. This study represents an ILC on conventional 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratios, within which metrological principles were considered and the compatibility of measurement results obtained by MC-ICP-MS and by MC-TIMS is demonstrated. The materials characterised in this study can be used as reference materials for validation and quality control purposes and to estimate measurement uncertainties in conventional 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratio measurement.
During its 25 years of existence, the Inorganic Analysis Working Group of the Consultative Committee for Amount of Substance: Metrology in Chemistry and Biology (CCQM IAWG) has achieved much in establishing comparability of measurement results. Impressive work has been done on comparison exercises related to real-world problems in fields such as ecology, food, or health. In more recent attempts, measurements and comparisons were focused on calibration solutions which are the basis of most inorganic chemical measurements. This contribution deals with the question of how to achieve full and transparent SI traceability for the values carried by such solutions. Within this framework, the use of classical primary methods (CPMs) is compared to the use of a primary difference method (PDM). PDM is a method with a dual character, namely a metrological method with a primary character, based on the bundling of many measurement methods for individual impurities, which lead to materials with certified content of the main component. As in classical methods, where small corrections for interferences are accepted, in PDM, many small corrections are bundled. In contrast to classical methods, the PDM is universally applicable to all elements in principle. Both approaches can be used to certify the purity (expressed as mass fraction of the main element) of a high-purity material. This is where the metrological need of National Metrology Institutes (NMIs) for analytical methods meet the challenges of analytical methods. In terms of methods, glow discharge mass spectrometry (GMDS) with sufficient uncertainties for sufficiently small impurity contents is particularly noteworthy for the certification of primary transfer standards (PTS), and isotope dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS), which particularly benefits from PTS (back-spikes) with small uncertainties, is particularly noteworthy for the application. The corresponding relative uncertainty which can be achieved using the PDM is very low (< 10−4). Acting as PTS, they represent the link between the material aspect of the primary calibration solutions and the immaterial world of the International System of Units (SI). The underlying concepts are discussed, the current status of implementation is summarised, and a roadmap of the necessary future activities in inorganic analytical chemistry is sketched. It has to be noted that smaller measurement uncertainties of the purity of high-purity materials not only have a positive effect on chemical measurements, but also trigger new developments and findings in other disciplines such as thermometry or materials science.
The variation of isotope ratios is increasingly used to unravel natural and technical questions. With new upcoming techniques and research topics in the last two decades, such as material provenance or food authenticity to animal and human migration studies, the number of published isotope data has strongly increased. Here, isotope reference materials are indispensable to enable a reliable method validation or even SI-traceability. The fast development and broad availability of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry instrumentation (ICP-MS) also lead to an expansion of the classical research areas and new elements are under investigation. Owing to this large expansion of the field, the production and certification of isotope reference materials for calibration and validation is lagging behind, even for classical applications such as conventional 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratio analysis. To improve this situation, BAM organized an interlaboratory comparison (ILC) comprising of thirteen international laboratories for the characterisation of 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratios in geochemical and industrial reference materials. Six reference materials (four cements and two rocks) were provided as powder requiring extensive sample preparation prior to isotopic measurement. Additional requirements included the use of the conventional method for obtaining 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratios, also known as radiogenic 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratios, and the assessment of the measurement uncertainty. The primary goal was to evaluate potential differences in the application of multicollector thermal ionization mass spectrometry (MC-TIMS) and multicollector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS) for conventional 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratio determination, with a secondary goal to provide reference values for the 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratios in these potential new reference materials. All reported results are accompanied by an uncertainty statement and are traceable to the conventional method, which will be described in detail within this presentation. Current state-of-the-art statistical models were used to ensure the proper evaluation of the reported results and their associated measurement uncertainties within the frame of this ILC. Combined with results from appropriate homogeneity assessment, reference values for 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratios will be assigned.
This study uses conventional 87Sr/86Sr and 143Nd/144Nd isotope and interelement ratios of Ca, Sr, K, Mn, Mg and Ti as fingerprints for provenancing ordinary Portland cements (OPC). Herein, the first database of Sr and Nd isotope ratios investigated in OPCs, stemming from 29 cement plants located worldwide, was created. The results show that the Sr isotope ratios of OPCs are higher than those of seawater from the observed geological period. The spread of 143Nd/144Nd in OPCs is not as large as the spread for 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratios. However, the combination of both Sr and Nd isotope ratios provides the potential for distinguishing between cements of different production sites. Most of the OPCs investigated have measurable differences in their 87Sr/86Sr and 143Nd/144Nd isotope ratios, which can be employed as a valuable analytical fingerprinting tool. In the case of equivocal results, divisive hierarchical clustering was employed to help overcome this issue. The construction of geochemical profiles allowed the computing of suitably defined distances between cements and clustering them according to their chemical similarity. By applying this methodology, successful fingerprinting was achieved in 27 out of the 29 ordinary Portland cements that were analysed.
Pb isotope ratio analysis
(2023)