Assessing rare earth elements in quartz rich geological samples. (January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Santoro, A.; Thoss, V.; Ribeiro Guevara, S.; Urgast, D.; Raab, A.; Mastrolitti, S.; Feldmann, J.
• Is Part Of: Applied radiation and isotopes. Volume 107(2016:Jan.)
• Page Start: 323
• Page End: 329
• Publication Date: 2016-01
• Subjects: Rare earth elements -- ICP-MS -- INAA -- Quartz -- Sodium peroxide; Radiology -- Periodicals; Radiation -- Industrial applications -- Periodicals; Nuclear chemistry -- Periodicals; Internet resource; Periodical; 660.298
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2015.10.035
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0969-8043

Abstract

Abstract: Sodium peroxide (Na2 O2 ) fusion coupled to Inductively Coupled Plasma Tandem Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS/MS) measurements was used to rapidly screen quartz-rich geological samples for rare earth element (REE) content. The method accuracy was checked with a geological reference material and Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) measurements. The used mass-mode combinations presented accurate results (only exception being 157 Gd in He gas mode) with recovery of the geological reference material QLO-1 between 80% and 98% (lower values for Lu, Nd and Sm) and in general comparable to INAA measurements. Low limits of detection for all elements were achieved, generally below 10 pg g −1, as well as measurement repeatability below 15%. Overall, the Na2 O2 /ICP-MS/MS method proved to be a suitable lab-based method to quickly and accurately screen rock samples originating from quartz-rich geological areas for rare earth element content; particularly useful if checking commercial viability. Highlights: Na2 O2 fusion coupled to ICP-MS/MS was used to determine REE in quartz-rich samples. The method accuracy was checked with a geological reference material and INAA. Results were within 80–98% recovery of QLO-1 reference material, comparable to INAA. Detection limits were generally below 10 pg g −1, and repeatability was below 15%. Na2 O2 /ICP-MS/MS proved to be a suitable method for REE in quartz-rich samples.