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Mass-independent isotope fractionation of heavy elements measured by MC-ICPMS: a unique probe in environmental sciences

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Abstract

This article overviews recent developments in the use of multicollector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICPMS) in studies of mass-independent isotope chemistry of heavy elements. Origins of mass-independent isotope effects and their relevance to isotope ratio measurements by MC-ICPMS are briefly described. The extent to which these effects can affect instrumental mass bias in MC-ICPMS is critically discussed on the basis of the experimental observations. Furthermore, key findings reported in studies of mass-independent isotope fractionation (MIF) of mercury in the field of environmental sciences are reviewed. MIF of heavy elements is not only of interest from a fundamental point of view, but also provides scientists with a new and effective means of studying the biogeochemistry of these elements.

Mechanisms of mass-independent stable isotope fractionation measured by MC-ICPMS

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Acknowledgements

Two anonymous referees are gratefully acknowledged for constructive comments on the initial version of the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Analytical Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281-S12, 9000, Ghent, Belgium

    D. Malinovsky & F. Vanhaecke

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  1. D. Malinovsky
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  2. F. Vanhaecke
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Correspondence to D. Malinovsky.

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Malinovsky, D., Vanhaecke, F. Mass-independent isotope fractionation of heavy elements measured by MC-ICPMS: a unique probe in environmental sciences. Anal Bioanal Chem 400, 1619–1624 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-011-4856-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-011-4856-z

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