Quantitative 3-D elemental mapping by LA-ICP-MS of a basaltic clast from the Hanford 300 Area, Washington, USA

Environ Sci Technol. 2012 Feb 21;46(4):2025-32. doi: 10.1021/es2023785. Epub 2012 Feb 9.

Abstract

Laser ablation with inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) was used to measure elemental concentrations at the 100-μm scale in a 3-dimensional manner within a basaltic clast sample collected from the Hanford 300 Area in south-central Washington State, United States. A calibration method was developed to quantify the LA-ICP-MS signal response using a constant-sum mass fraction of eight major elements; the method produced reasonable concentration measurements for both major and trace elements when compared to a standard basalt sample with known concentrations. 3-Dimensional maps (stacked 2-D contour layers, each representing 2100 μm × 2100 μm) show relatively uniform concentration with depth for intrinsic elements such as Si, Na, and Sr. However, U and Cu accumulation were observed near the sample surface, consistent with the site's release history of these contaminants. U and Cu show substantial heterogeneity in their concentration distributions within horizontal slices, while the intrinsic elements are essentially uniformly distributed. From these measured U concentrations and published grain size distributions, gravel and cobbles were estimated to contain about 1% of the contaminant U, implicating the coarse fraction as a long-term release source.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Elements*
  • Geologic Sediments / analysis*
  • Laser Therapy
  • Mass Spectrometry / methods
  • Particle Size
  • Radioactive Waste*
  • Refuse Disposal*
  • Washington

Substances

  • Elements
  • Radioactive Waste