Azzurra Spagnesi , Elena Barbaro , Warren Raymond Lee Cairns , Matteo Feltracco , Federico Scoto , Andrea Gambaro , Carlo Barbante , Andrea Spolaor
{"title":"Comparative analysis of sea salt species in snow samples from Svalbard using ICP-QMS and IC techniques","authors":"Azzurra Spagnesi , Elena Barbaro , Warren Raymond Lee Cairns , Matteo Feltracco , Federico Scoto , Andrea Gambaro , Carlo Barbante , Andrea Spolaor","doi":"10.1016/j.apgeochem.2025.106492","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Inductively coupled plasma quadrupole mass spectrometry (ICP-QMS) and ion chromatography (IC) paired with either a conductivity detector (IC-CD) or single quadrupole mass spectrometer (IC-MS) are essential techniques in environmental analysis. Previous research has demonstrated robust agreement when applying these methods to Antarctic ice cores and snow samples. However, the high concentrations of sea spray and mineral dust found in Arctic snow samples pose distinct challenges, that might impact the accuracy and precision of measurements, despite the existing efforts to minimise matrix effects. In particular, the higher amount of dust in the Arctic snow/ice samples could present an additional source for insoluble elements typically found in sea spray that is insoluble and thus undetectable by IC, causing a divergency between the results obtained from the two techniques. Therefore, it is crucial to comprehend how these factors influence the efficacy of ICP-QMS and IC techniques in polar research. This study provides a detailed comparison of these methods in quantifying sea salt species – sodium (Na), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), and bromine (Br) – in surface snow samples collected at Svalbard. By cross-validating IC and ICP-QMS for these tracers, the study assesses each method's accuracy, sensitivity, and precision, providing valuable insights into their optimal application in polar research and climate studies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8064,"journal":{"name":"Applied Geochemistry","volume":"190 ","pages":"Article 106492"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1000,"publicationDate":"2025-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Applied Geochemistry","FirstCategoryId":"89","ListUrlMain":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S088329272500215X","RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"GEOCHEMISTRY & GEOPHYSICS","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Inductively coupled plasma quadrupole mass spectrometry (ICP-QMS) and ion chromatography (IC) paired with either a conductivity detector (IC-CD) or single quadrupole mass spectrometer (IC-MS) are essential techniques in environmental analysis. Previous research has demonstrated robust agreement when applying these methods to Antarctic ice cores and snow samples. However, the high concentrations of sea spray and mineral dust found in Arctic snow samples pose distinct challenges, that might impact the accuracy and precision of measurements, despite the existing efforts to minimise matrix effects. In particular, the higher amount of dust in the Arctic snow/ice samples could present an additional source for insoluble elements typically found in sea spray that is insoluble and thus undetectable by IC, causing a divergency between the results obtained from the two techniques. Therefore, it is crucial to comprehend how these factors influence the efficacy of ICP-QMS and IC techniques in polar research. This study provides a detailed comparison of these methods in quantifying sea salt species – sodium (Na), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), and bromine (Br) – in surface snow samples collected at Svalbard. By cross-validating IC and ICP-QMS for these tracers, the study assesses each method's accuracy, sensitivity, and precision, providing valuable insights into their optimal application in polar research and climate studies.
期刊介绍:
Applied Geochemistry is an international journal devoted to publication of original research papers, rapid research communications and selected review papers in geochemistry and urban geochemistry which have some practical application to an aspect of human endeavour, such as the preservation of the environment, health, waste disposal and the search for resources. Papers on applications of inorganic, organic and isotope geochemistry and geochemical processes are therefore welcome provided they meet the main criterion. Spatial and temporal monitoring case studies are only of interest to our international readership if they present new ideas of broad application.
Topics covered include: (1) Environmental geochemistry (including natural and anthropogenic aspects, and protection and remediation strategies); (2) Hydrogeochemistry (surface and groundwater); (3) Medical (urban) geochemistry; (4) The search for energy resources (in particular unconventional oil and gas or emerging metal resources); (5) Energy exploitation (in particular geothermal energy and CCS); (6) Upgrading of energy and mineral resources where there is a direct geochemical application; and (7) Waste disposal, including nuclear waste disposal.