An approach for optimizing in SITU cosmogenic 10BE sample preparation
File(s)QUAGEO-D-16-00005R1.pdf (1.41 MB)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Corbett, LB
Bierman, PR
Rood, DH
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Optimizing sample preparation for the isotopic measurement of 10Be extracted from quartz mineral separates has a direct positive effect on the accuracy and precision of isotopic analysis. Here, we demonstrate the value of tracing Be throughout the extraction process (both after dissolution and after processing), producing pure Be (by optimizing ion exchange chromatography methods and quantifying quartz mineral separate and final Be fraction purity), and minimizing backgrounds (through reducing both laboratory process blanks and 10B isobaric interference). These optimization strategies increase the amount of 10Be available for analysis during accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS), while simultaneously decreasing interference and contamination, and ensuring that sample performance matches standard performance during analysis. After optimization of our laboratory's extraction methodology, 9Be3+ ion beam currents measured during AMS analysis, a metric for sample purity and Be yield through the extraction process, matched the 9Be3+ beam currents of AMS standards analyzed at the same time considering nearly 800 samples. Optimization of laboratory procedures leads to purer samples that perform better, more consistently, and more similarly to standards during AMS analysis, allowing for improved precision and accuracy of measurements used for dating and quantification of Earth surface processes.
Date Issued
2016-02-08
Date Acceptance
2016-02-05
Citation
Quaternary Geochronology, 2016, 33, pp.24-34
ISSN
1871-1014
Publisher
Elsevier
Start Page
24
End Page
34
Journal / Book Title
Quaternary Geochronology
Volume
33
Copyright Statement
© 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
Subjects
Paleontology
0402 Geochemistry
0403 Geology
0406 Physical Geography And Environmental Geoscience
Publication Status
Published