Rare earth elements and 143Nd/144Nd isotope ratio measurements using tandem ICP-CRC-MS/MS: Characterization of date palm (: Phoenix dactylifera L.)

Abstract

Herein, tandem inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry with a collision/reaction cell (ICP-CRC-MS/MS) was used to accurately characterize the rare earth element (REE) pattern and the radiogenic isotope ratios of 143Nd/144Nd. Plant and soil samples were digested with concentrated acids, and the sample solutions were diluted and directly measured using ICP-CRC-MS/MS. Oxygen (O2) was used to exclude polyatomic interferences with the concerned masses of the REEs. Carbon dioxide (CO2) was introduced into the reaction cell to eliminate the 144Sm isobar via the indirect mass shift mode from Nd+ to NdO+. The methods were validated by measuring standard reference materials. For quality assurance, the REEs and Nd were chemically separated and then measured using ICP-CRC-MS/MS in a single quad mode, in which the first quadrupole served as only an ion guide. The REE pattern and radiogenic isotope ratios of 143Nd/144Nd were identified in date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) obtained from three countries in the Arabian Peninsula: Qatar, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia. 1 2017 The Royal Society of Chemistry.