Application of Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry to the Measurement of Lead Isotope Ratio in Individual Particles

Abstract

The capability of secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) for lead isotope ratio measurements of individual particles has been demonstrated by measuring leadcontaining particles in three kinds of environmental certified reference materials (CRMs): urban particulate matter, vehicle exhaust particulates, and coal fly ash. After mounting of the sample onto a glassy carbon carrier, the particles containing lead were identified and located by an electron probe micro-analyzer equipped with wavelength dispersive x-ray spectrometers. The isotope ratios of 207 Pb/ 206 Pb and 208 Pb/ 206 Pb for the individual particles on the carrier were determined by SIMS. The relative standard deviations of the lead isotope ratios were less than 1.6% for all particles measured. It was demonstrated that the results of the lead isotope ratios were clearly distinguished among the three samples. Moreover, the particles in the vehicle exhaust particulate sample were classified into two groups according to lead isotope ratios. The results indicated that the present SIMS technique can provide detailed information with regard to the origin and the transportation of individual particles, ORDER REPRINTS which is difficult to obtain by conventional bulk analysis techniques such as inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and thermal ionization mass spectrometry.

Atomic spectrometry update. Environmental analysis

“…Updates, numerous studies have been undertaken with secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). Esaka et al 140 used SIMS to measure Pb isotope ratios of individual particles from three CRM: coal fly ash, vehicle exhaust particulate and urban particulates. Ratios were clearly distinguishable between the CRM and exhaust particulates could be separated into two groups by isotopic ratio.…”

Atomic spectrometry update. Industrial analysis: metals, chemicals and advanced materials

“…With ever growing technique sophistication and the interest in the metal speciation contained within individual particulates, much more information can be gleaned. Esaka et al 78 demonstrated the capability of SIMS for measuring Pb isotope ratios in individual particles. Three kinds of environmental CRMs: urban particulate matter, vehicle exhaust particulates and coal fly ash were analysed.…”

Atomic spectrometry update. Atomic mass spectrometry

“…Ion imaging revealed that these zones could be localized by using the Y 1 secondary ions. Esaka et al 308 used three RM to develop a method for the determination of Pb isotope ratios in mm-sized environmental particles. The samples were mounted on glassy carbon and Pb-containing particles, identified by EPXMA, were analysed using a 15 keV O 2 1 ion beam (spot diameter of 50 mm), a mass resolution of 1000 and energy filtering to discriminate against hydride contributions.…”