Precise and accurate δ66/64Zn data for environmental reference materials (RMs) including rocks,
sediments, soils and plants are presented in order to improve the metrological traceability and
analytical control of Zn isotope ratio determinations in future environmental studies. Previously
developed ion exchange chromatography protocols were adjusted to enable faster sample throughput
and instrumental mass bias processes were investigated. The improved chromatographic protocol
yielded precise and quantitative recoveries (99 ± 7%, σ, n = 16), while the mass bias correction
using Cu as external dopant provided precisions better than 0.02‰, 2σ, n = 7. Investigations into
spectral and non-spectral interferences identified significant formation of Cr and Ti oxides and
hydroxide ionic species. Analysis of six RMs (BHVO-2 basalt (USGS), BCR-2 basalt (USGS),
AGV-2 andesite (USGS), 2709 San Joaquin soil (NIST), 1646a estuarine sediment (NIST) and
1573a tomato leaves (NIST)) showed good reproducibility (< 0.01‰, 2σ, 5 ≤ n ≥ 1).