In the sequential extraction methods which is used to show the concentration of a metal (or metal isotopes) in different fractions, sometimes an isotope fractionation artifacts can be introduced which leads to an error in the results. Is there any solution for this problem?
Yes, you can add an isotopic spike (non-natural isotope abundance), and trace that through the procedure. You could also do it with a different element from the one you're interested in, but you would need the same chemical behaviour.
Either that, or very comprehensive classification of the fractionation by repeated experiments with a standard of known composition. On the other hand, are you sure it's your method that producing isotope fractionation, rather than fractionation between different extracted phases?
thanks for your answer. however, the mentioned solution in the first paragraph is for the instrumental fractionation, but I meant the artifact fractionation because of sequential extraction method. As you mentioned, I think using a standard of known composition would be a good idea.
thanks
An isotopic spike added prior the extraction will provide the information about the fractionation though all the procedure not only for the instrumental fractionation. Spikes are commercially available and quite easy to handle. If you use a standard you should be sure that it has close composition to your samples otherwise you can not prove that they behave similar during the procedure.
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