Analysing Sr isotopes in low-Sr samples such as single insects with inductively coupled plasma tandem mass spectrometry using N₂ O as a reaction gas for in-line Rb separation.

ABSTRACT:

Rationale

Strontium isotopes are valuable markers of provenance in a range of disciplines. Limited amounts of Sr in low-mass samples such as insects mean that conventional Sr isotope analysis precludes their use for geographic origins in many ecological studies or in applications such as biosecurity. Here we test the viability of using inductively coupled plasma tandem mass spectrometry (ICP-MS/MS) with N₂ O as a reaction gas for accurately determining Sr isotopes in insects with Sr < 100 ng.

Methods

Strontium isotopes were determined in solution mode using ICP-MS/MS with 0.14 L/min N₂ O as a reaction gas to convert Sr⁺ into SrO⁺ for in-line separation of ⁸⁷ Sr from ⁸⁷ Rb. The Sr isotope reference standards NI

SUBMITTER: Murphy DT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7050539 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature