(Table 6) Sb isotope composition of bottom sediments from ODP Hole 185-1149A@en

Multiple-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS) has been used for the precise measurement of Sb isotopic composition in geological samples, as well as Sb(III) and Sb(V) species in aqueous samples. Sb is chemically purified prior to analysis by using cation-exchange resin and cotton impregnated with thioglycollic acid (TCF). Purification through cation-exchange resin is required for the removal of matrix interfering elements such as transitional metals, whereas TCF is required for the separation of other hydride-forming elements such as Ge and As. The analyte is introduced in the plasma torch using a continuous flow hydride generation system. Instrumental mass fractionation is corrected with a \"standard-sample bracketing\" approach. Using this technique, the minimum Sb required per analysis is as low as 10 ng for an estimated external precision calculated for the 123Sb/121Sb isotope ratio of 0.4 var epsilon units (2 sigma). […]