Analytical Methods For Geochemical Exploration (eBook)

Front Cover 1
Analytical Methods for Geochemical Exploration 4
Copyright Page 5
Table of Contents 6
Preface 10
Chapter 1. Introduction 12
I. Samples 12
II. Analysis Techniques 15
III. Background Levels of the Elements 18
IV. Separations and Concentration 18
V. Error 19
VI. Elements Covered 24
References 27
Chapter 2. Principles of Determinative Methods 28
I. Atomic Absorption Spectrometry 28
II. Inductively Coupled Plasma—Atomic Emission Spectrometry 47
III. X-Ray Fluorescence Analysis 56
References 67
Chapter 3. Basic Materials 69
I. Water 69
II. Reagents 71
III. Containers 72
IV. Stability of Standard Solutions 73
V. Preparation of Standard Solutions 74
VI. Standard Reference Materials 76
VII. Safety Considerations 81
References 88
Chapter 4. Methods of Sample Preparation 89
I. Introduction 89
II. Field Sampling 89
III. Drying 91
IV. Crushing, Grinding, and Sieving 91
V. Powder Samples 93
VI. Decomposition of Solid Samples 95
References 108
Chapter 5. Field Methods 109
I. Introduction 109
II. Colorimetric Methods 110
III. Color Standards 111
IV. Sample Preparation (Samples Containing Organic Matter) 114
V. Dry Ashing 114
VI. Wet Ashing 115
VII. Analytical Procedures 115
VIII. Atomic Absorption Spectrometer for Field Work 136
IX. Portable Mercury Spectrometer 140
X. Portable X-Ray Equipment for Field Analyses 141
References 142
Chapter 6. Geochemical Methods for Soils and Related Samples 143
I. Introduction 143
II. Determination of Total Metals 147
III. Extractable Metals 161
IV. Selective Extractants 164
V. Methods for Mercury and Hydride Elements 175
VI. Solvent Extraction 202
VII. Method for Waters 205
References 210
Chapter 7. Lithogeochemical Analysis 211
I. Determination of Major and Trace Elements in Rocks by 
211 
II. Determination of 15 Major and Trace Elements in Rock Samples by X-Ray Fluorescence Using One 
216 
III. Determination of Major and Trace Elements in Silicate Rocks by 
223 
IV. Determination of 14 Trace Elements in Rock Samples by Stepwise Solvent Extraction and Flame Atomic Absorption 
229 
V. Determination of Trace Elements in Rocks and Minerals by 
231 
VI. Determination of Trace Elements in Rocks by Flameless Atomic 
232 
VII. Determination of Scandium, Yttrium, and Rare Earth Elements in 
234 
VIII. Determination of Rare Earth Elements in Minerals by Flame 
237 
IX. Determination of Rare Earth Elements, Yttrium, and Scandium in 
239 
X. Determination of Rare Earth Elements in Rocks by Thin-Film 
247 
XI. Determination of Gold, Indium, Tellurium, and Thallium in Rocks, Soils, and Sediments by Solvent Extraction and Flame Atomic 
252 
XII. Determination of Tin in Rocks by ICP-AES 255
XIII. Determination of Gold in Rocks and Soils by Flameless Atomic 
257 
XIV. Determination of Platinum in Rocks, Soils, and Sediments by Flame 
259 
References 260
Chapter 8. Determination of the Platinum Group Metals and Gold 262
I. Introduction 262
II. Fire Assay 263
III. Other Methods of 
266 
IV. Evaporations 267
V. Separation Techniques 267
VI. Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy 269
VII. Emission Spectroscopy 271
VIII. Neutron Activation Spectroscopy and Other Nuclear 
272 
IX. Radioactive Tracers 273
X. X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy 273
XI. Electrochemical Methods 274
XII. Gravimetry and Titrimetry 274
XIII. Solution Spectrophotometry 275
XIV. Standard Reference Materials 276
XV. Analytical Procedures 276
References 301
Chapter 9. Biogeochemical Analysis 303
I. Introduction 303
II. Determination of Metals in Vegetation by Flame Atomic Absorption 
305 
III. Determination of Nickel and Zinc in Plant Material by Flame 
309 
IV. Determination of Arsenic and Selenium in Plants by Hydride 
310 
V. Determination of Molybdenum in Botanical Material by Graphite 
314 
VI. Determination of Mercury in Plant Samples by Cold Vapor Atomic 
315 
VII. Determination of Gold in Vegetation by Graphite Rod Atomic 
316 
VIII. Analysis of Plant Materials by ICP-AES 317
IX. X-Ray Fluorescence Analysis of Vegetation Samples 320
X. Determination of Uranium in Plants by Laser Fluorometry 327
References 328
Chapter 10. ICP Source Mass Spectrometry 329
I. Introduction 329
II. Interferences 332
III. Sample Preparation 333
IV. Detection Limits 334
V. Novel Sample Introduction Methods 334
VI. Linear Working Range 334
VII. Typical Mass Spectra 335
VIII. Advantages over ICP-Optical Emission Spectrometry 337
IX. Isotope Dilution (ID) Mass Spectrometry by ICP-MS 337
X. Determination of Rare Earth Elements by ICP-MS 338
XI. Determination of Lead Isotopes by Plasma Source Mass 
342 
XII. Analysis of Leaf Samples Using ICP-MS with Electrothermal 
344 
References 348
Index 350