Publication details
ICP-QMS for lead isotopic analysis: Method development and key parameters
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2025 |
| Type | Article in Periodical |
| Magazine / Source | SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA PART B-ATOMIC SPECTROSCOPY |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| web | https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0584854725001624?via%3Dihub |
| Doi | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sab.2025.107277 |
| Keywords | Isotope ratio analysis; Lead isotopes; ICP-QMS; Optimization parameters |
| Description | This technical note demonstrates the potential of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry with a quadrupole analyzer (ICP-QMS) for lead isotope ratio determination offering a step-by-step guide for laboratories aiming to achieve reliable precision without access to multi-collector instrumentation. Key instrumental parameters such as dwell time, number of replicates, sweeps per replicate, pump speed and nebulizer gas flow were systematically optimized. Special attention was given to the influence of detector mode selection (Auto vs. Analog) and its impact on low-abundance isotopes such as Pb-204. The optimized procedure yielded precision of 0.08-0.10 % RSD for Pb-206/Pb-207 and Pb-208/Pb-206 ratios and 0.10-0.12 % RSD for Pb-206/Pb-204 as a minimum, which is sufficient for selected applications. The optimized method was validated using NIST SRM 981 and archaeological metal samples previously analyzed by MC-ICP-MS. Results show good agreement in isotope ratios between ICP-QMS and MC-ICP-MS, with deviations expressed as delta values <0.3 % in most cases, for Pb-206/Pb-204 < 1.5 %. Although the method does not aim to replace MC-ICP-MS for high-precision work, it offers a robust and cost-effective alternative for applications requiring moderate precision, especially in laboratories without access to multi-collector instrumentation. |