Quantitative analysis of trace elements in carbonates using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry has been applied to the analysis of carbonate materials. Multi-element synthetic standards, prepared both as pressed powders and fused glass discs, were used for calibration. The elements Mg, Mn, Sr, Ba and Pb were added to the pressed powder standards and these elements, together with U, were added to the fused glass standards. Calibration graphs, which are linear over at least three orders of magnitude, were produced using both types of standard but the fused glass discs gave better precision. The accuracy of the technique was evaluated using reference materials. Acceptable values were obtained using the pressed powders [e.g. BCS 393 (limestone) certified values of 905 ppm (Mg), 77 ppm (Mn) and 160 ppm (Sr)], but better accuracy was achieved with fused glass discs [e.g., BCS 393; 957 ppm (Mg), 79.6 ppm (Mn) and 167 ppm (Sr)]. The technique is applied to the analysis of carbonate shell material and demonstrates its potential in environmental monitoring.