The European Air Quality Directive 2004/107/EC [1] and UK Air Quality Standards Regulations 2010 [2] set limits on the concentrations of the heavy metals cadmium, arsenic, nickel and mercury in the atmosphere, which are transported either as structurally-bound or adsorbed constituents of atmospheric particles. Identifying sources of atmospheric particulate pollution is essential to inform effective mitigation strategies. Trace metal isotope ratios have the potential to fingerprint the source of particulates emitted by industrial processes but require high-precision analyses of small amounts of sample material to extract this information.

This poster outlines and compares fit-for-purpose methods for measurement of isotope ratios by both multi collector and tandem inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Several applications of these methods are discussed for different sample types and priority pollutants, including stable and active isotopes of nickel and lead. An example uncertainty budget is included and the components of an uncertainty budget for an isotope ratio measurement discussed.

References

[1] European Union, Official Journal of the European Union, 2004, vol. L23.

[2] UK Government Legislation.gov.uk, 2010, Accessed: Sep. 13, 2023. [Online].