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Pre-concentration of thorium and neodymium isotopes using Nobias chelating resin: method development and application to chromatographic separation




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Abstract
The isotopes of thorium (Th) and neodymium (Nd) are used as tracers in oceanography, and are key parameters in the international GEOTRACES program. The very low concentrations of Th and Nd as well as the reactive nature of Th isotopes makes the analysis of seawater samples a complex process. Analysis requires time-consuming pre-concentration from over 5 L of seawater. We describe a method to simultaneously pre-concentrate dissolved Th and Nd from acidified seawater samples using the Nobias® PA1L chelating resin. Prior to pre-concentration, hydrofluoric acid is added to the sample to stabilise Th, ammonium acetate buffer added (0.05 M), pH adjusted to 4.75, and then finally the prepared sample is pumped through the Nobias resin at a rate of 15 ml min−1. Up to 6 samples can be processed simultaneously. Following elution in 3 M HNO3, both elements are chromatographically separated and determined using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry. Oxidation of the sample between all column separation steps, including after the initial Nobias resin, is important for obtaining maximum elemental recoveries. The method has >90% recovery with blank levels typically 232Th and co-precipitation technique. Sample handling is also reduced, decreasing the risk of sample contamination. The simplicity of our suggested pre-concentration procedure makes it possible to be applied at sea.
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: | Perez-Tribouillier, H and Noble, TL and Townsend, AT and Bowie, AR and Chase, Z |
Keywords: | thorium, neodymium isotopes, Nobias chelating resin, pre-concentration |
Journal or Publication Title: | Talanta |
Publisher: | Elsevier Science Bv |
ISSN: | 0039-9140 |
DOI / ID Number: | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.talanta.2019.03.086 |
Copyright Information: | © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. |
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