A novel approach to sample preparation for the analysis of Sb isotope ratios in natural water by MC-ICP-MS

Aquatic systems play a key role in the global antimony (Sb) cycle, but studies on the isotopic ratio of Sb in freshwater are very rare due to low Sb concentrations and limitations in evaluation approaches. We have developed an innovative method for digestion, preconcentration, and purification of Sb in low-Sb water samples (<1 mu g L-1) for high precision isotope analysis. Digestion was achieved by adding bromine monochloride (1%, v/v) reagents. The preconcentration and purification of Sb were realized by ion exchange chromatography using a vacuum device. The method resulted in a quantitative recovery of 100 +/- 5% (n = 44, 2 sigma). Repeated measurements of MQ water and natural water spiked with a Sb-certified standard material (NIST 3102a) using the entire method gave identical epsilon Sb-123 ratios (2 sigma < 0.52 epsilon), indicating no isotopic fractionation during sample preparation. Significant epsilon Sb-123 variations (2.14-4.96 epsilon) were observed in natural water samples in this study collected from lakes, rice fields and rain, implying the potential application of this approach in studying aquatic Sb systematics and global Sb cycling.

Automated summary

This study developed an innovative method for digestion, preconcentration, and purification of low-Sb water samples for high precision isotope analysis. No isotopic fractionation was observed during sample preparation, and significant variations in Sb isotope ratios were observed in natural water samples, indicating the potential application of this method in studying aquatic Sb systematics and global Sb cycling.