Instruments

Agilent 7850 ICPMS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer)

Types of Analysis:

The ICPMS offers the ability to quickly and efficiently measure elemental concentrations of solutions for nearly the entire Periodic Table (typically elements heavier than Li, with a few exceptions). Most sample types are able to be analyzed with some sample preparation to ensure full digestion into solution, including geological, biological, environmental, and others. The instrument has incredible sensitivity, allowing for detection of elements at the parts per billion level and lower.

Examples of Analysis:

Trace metal analysis of water samples (groundwater, drinking water, etc.) to explore contamination sources. Heavy metal contamination (Pb, Cd, Hg, etc.) from human samples (blood, urine) to determine exposure and health implications related to anthropogenic and geological sources. Trace element analysis (trace metals, REE, etc.) of rocks and minerals for exploring geochemical evolution of the mantle and crust, subduction zone mechanisms, cave formations, and ocean chemistries, among many others. Elemental analysis of anthropological materials for source attribution and material composition.

Nu Plasma II MC-ICPMS (Multicollector Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer)

Types of Analysis:

The MC-ICPMS offers the ability to measure the isotopic compositions for heavy, non-traditional elements. Currently, the instrument is set up for the measurement of thallium and lead isotopic systems. Most sample types are able to be analyzed with sample preparation to ensure full digestion into solution along with sample purification, including geological, biological, environmental, and others.

Examples of Analysis:

Thallium isotopes can be utilized for anthropogenic and environmental contamination tracing, understanding changing redox conditions in geological and marine settings (both past and present), calculating the magnitude and extent of hydrothermal fluid circulation, tracing source inputs for arc magmatism, and potentially as a vector of ore mineralization. Lead isotopes can be utilized for differentiating magma sources and igneous processes, age dating rocks and minerals, ore exploration and mineralization, and source attribution for anthropological materials and environmental contaminates, among others.