Vol. 337 No. 5 (2026)
DOI https://doi.org/10.18799/24131830/2026/5/5242
Features of determining low concentrations of rare earth elements in ultrabasic rocks by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
Relevance. Currently, an urgent task is the rational combination of well-known methods of sample preparation, which will allow the analysis of diverse natural samples. Aim. To improve the methods of decomposition of ultrabasic rocks using the example of natural samples of dunites, metagartsburgites and harzburgites, as well as to select optimal conditions for determining rare earth elements by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Methods. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Results and conclusions. The paper introduces the results of a study of different methods for decomposing ultramafic rock samples for subsequent determination of rare earth elements by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The samples of dunites, metaharzburgites and harzburgites were selected for the experiment. The precision and quality of the results obtained were validated using standard samples JP-1 (Japan), DTS-1 (USA), and SDU-1 (IGC SB RAS, Russian Federation), which share similarities in mineralogical and chemical composition with the samples being analyzed. The accuracy of the decomposition methods confirmed by comparing the obtained results with the accepted (recommended) values for the studied reference samples of peridotite JP-1 (Japan) and dunite DTS-1 (USA). The obtained results well consent with reference and information values within margin of error of the analysis. The improved method of decomposition in a drying cabinet is a very effective and express method for sample preparation of ultrabasic rocks. The method allows preparing samples without loss of low contents of the elements being determined. The complete procedure for sample preparation was conducted in a single vessel, utilizing a reduced quantity of chemical reagents. This approach also prevents an increase in the correction of the blank experiment and minimizes the risk of contamination in the mass spectrometer. The concentrations of rare earth elements in the SDU-1 (dunite) presented in the work expand the information about the elemental composition. The concentrations of rare earth elements in the SDU-1 (dunite) can be applied in analytical practice for accuracy of definition of rare earth elements.
For citation: Zarubina O.V., Romanova A.S. Features of determining low concentrations of rare earth elements in ultrabasic rocks by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Bulletin of the Tomsk Polytechnic University. Geo Assets Engineering, 2026, vol. 337, no. 5, pp. 120-129. https://doi.org/10.18799/24131830/2026/5/5242
Keywords:
inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry , ultrabasic rocks, decomposition methods, limit of detection, assessment of correctness and accuracy
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