Sectional power-law correction for the accurate determination of lutetium by isotope dilution multiple collector-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry

In this study, we employ a sectional power-law (SPL) correction that provides accurate and precise measurements of Lu-176/Lu-175 ratios in geological samples using multiple collector-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS). Three independent power laws were adopted based on the Lu-176/Yb-176 ratios of samples measured after chemical chromatography. Using isotope dilution (ID) techniques and the SPL correction method, the measured lutetium contents of United States Geological Survey rock standards (BHVO-1, BHVO-2, BCR-2, AGV-1, and G-2) agree well with the recommended values. Results obtained by conventional ICP-MS and INAA are generally higher than those obtained by ID-TIMS and ID-MC-ICP-MS; this discrepancy probably reflects oxide interference and inaccurate corrections. Crown Copyright (C) 2009 Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.