A fast, single column extraction chromatography method for the isolation of Neodymium from iron-rich materials prior to radiogenic isotope ratio measurements

A novel separation method is described for the separation of Nd from Fe-rich, silicate samples in view of isotopic analyses. The procedure is based on the synergistic enhancement of the...

Gd Matrix Effects on Eu Isotope Fractionation in Geological Rocks Using MC-ICP-MS: Optimizing Europium Isotope Ratio Measurements in Geological Samples

<p></p><p>Eu has only two isotopes (151Eu and 153 Eu). Eu and Gd are one of the rare earth elements that are very difficult to completely separate from each other. Eu isotope ratio can be determined by MC-ICP-MS using internal Sm or Gd spikes to correct for mass discrimination. NIST3117a ultrapure chemical reagent shows almost no Eu isotope fractionation regardless of the kind of normalization isotope pair. However, Eu isotope ratio in the silicate rocks was effected by Gd matrix during MC-ICP-MS measurement if a trace amount of Gd impurity remains in the purified Eu fraction. In this report, we tried to determine optimizing conditions for precise and accurate Europium isotope ratio measurements in geological samples using MC-ICP-MS. The pure Eu fraction with almost no Gd matrix separated from geological samples and NIST3117a ultrapure chemical reagent show almost same degree of Eu isotope fractionation regardless of the kind of normalization isotope pair. However, Eu isotope ratio in the silicate rocks was effected by Gd matrix during MC-ICP-MS measurement using if 154 Gd interference relative to 154 Sm as internal standard is more than ca. 0.1%. Particularly, highly fractionated granite and high silica volcanic rock with extremely low Eu concentration compared to Gd require high – purity Eu separation with a high recovery rate to obtain the true value of the Eu isotope fractionation in the geological rocks. <br></p><br><p></p>

Gd Matrix Effects on Eu Isotope Fractionation in Geological Rocks Using MC-ICP-MS: Optimizing Europium Isotope Ratio Measurements in Geological Samples

<p></p><p>Eu has only two isotopes (151Eu and 153 Eu). Eu and Gd are one of the rare earth elements that are very difficult to completely separate from each other. Eu isotope ratio can be determined by MC-ICP-MS using internal Sm or Gd spikes to correct for mass discrimination. NIST3117a ultrapure chemical reagent shows almost no Eu isotope fractionation regardless of the kind of normalization isotope pair. However, Eu isotope ratio in the silicate rocks was effected by Gd matrix during MC-ICP-MS measurement if a trace amount of Gd impurity remains in the purified Eu fraction. In this report, we tried to determine optimizing conditions for precise and accurate Europium isotope ratio measurements in geological samples using MC-ICP-MS. The pure Eu fraction with almost no Gd matrix separated from geological samples and NIST3117a ultrapure chemical reagent show almost same degree of Eu isotope fractionation regardless of the kind of normalization isotope pair. However, Eu isotope ratio in the silicate rocks was effected by Gd matrix during MC-ICP-MS measurement using if 154 Gd interference relative to 154 Sm as internal standard is more than ca. 0.1%. Particularly, highly fractionated granite and high silica volcanic rock with extremely low Eu concentration compared to Gd require high – purity Eu separation with a high recovery rate to obtain the true value of the Eu isotope fractionation in the geological rocks. <br></p><br><p></p>

Lithopetrographic and geochemical features of the Saalian tills in the Szczerców outcrop (Poland) in various deformation settings

This paper presents the results of new studies of Saalian tills, from the Ławki and Rogowiec formations, filling the Kleszczów Graben. The study area is located in the Szczerców outcrop, Bełchatów Lignite Opencast Mine, central Poland. Laboratory studies included macrofossil analysis of the deposits, as well as petrographic and geochemical (neodymium isotope ratio) measurements. The studies were carried out in 2014–2016 and resulted in both establishing the sedimentary Saalian complex and constructing geological cross-sections and a synthetic lithostratigraphic profile. Development of sediments in this part of the Kleszczów Graben in the Pleistocene was largely influenced by tectonic factors (Chabielice fault, Dębina Salt Dome) and glacitectonic processes (Wartanian Glaciation). The Saalian tills (T4 – Ławki and T7 – Rogowiec lithotypes) are between the Holsteinian sand with macroremnants of trees and the Eemian gyttja and peat. Petrographic coefficients for lithotype T4 (Ławki Formation) are 1.33–1.06–1.01 and 0.12 and for lithotype T7 (Rogowiec Formation) are 1.29–1.23–1.04 and 0.12. Investigations of the Nd isotopic compositions of the studied samples reinforce our interpretations of till deformation and tentative lithostratigraphic correlations. Neodymium isotope ratios “P” (−14.4 ± 0.7) and “D” (−12.4 ± 0.3) ε Nd values (2σ) correspond to mean signatures of Saalian glacigenic moraine sediment. This proves that ε Nd values less than −12.4 reflect the southern Fennoscandian Ice Sheet sediment provenance, but ε Nd values greater than −12.4 indicate the western European origin.