Determination of bismuth down to sub PG/G level in Greenland snow by laser excited atomic fluorescence spectrometry

We present here preliminary data on the first direct determination of Bi in Greenland recent snow down to the sub pg/g level by Laser Excited Atomic Fluorescence (LEAF) spectrometry in clean room conditions. Calibration of the spectrometer was achieved using ultralow concentration Bi standards (concentration range 0.05 - 50 pg/g). The limit of detection was found to be 2.5 fg Bi. Various Greenland samples were analysed, giving Bi concentration values in good agreement with these anticipated from the available volcanic emissions data