Multielemental Isotopic Analysis for Trace Metals in Geochemical Samples, Part 2: Nickel, Copper, Zinc, Cadmium, and Lead in Sediments, Atmospheric Particles, and Plankton

Abstract

The isotope ratios of Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb are utilized to trace the origins and investigate the various processes affecting these elements. In Part 1, we presented a method for the simultaneous analysis of isotope ratios of dissolved trace metals in seawater using NOBIAS PA1 chelate extraction and AG MP-1 M anion exchange. In Part 2, we extend the applicability of this method to sediments, atmospheric particles, and plankton. In the NOBIAS PA1 chelate extraction, an NH4F solution was used to separate Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb from Al, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Zr, and Sn, which are abundant in sediment and atmospheric particles. Then, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb were separated using anion exchange. The accuracy and precision were evaluated by the repeated analysis of reference materials of marine sediments (PACS-3), atmospheric particles (NIES-28), and river plankton (BCR-414). This method has the following advantages over conventional methods: (1) simultaneous analysis of isotope ratios of multiple elements from a single sample in only two chemical separation steps, allowing for high-throughput analysis; (2) clean and excellent chemical separation providing highly precise data; and (3) high applicability to a wide range of samples including marine sediments, plankton, and atmospheric particles. The methods presented in Parts 1 and 2 are expected to accelerate the multielemental isotope research of trace metals in the ocean, atmosphere, and sediments.