Isotopic lead measurements in organicaly based matrix samples using the quadropole inductively coupled plasma with mass spectrometry (Q-ICP-MS)

Lead isotope ratios provide analytical information relating to the source of lead contamination in naturally occurring samples. On the other hand these measurements can provide useful information for routine means of “fingerprinting” the components grown in different habitats. Studies of the isotopic composition of lead are therefore commonly used in the environmental science as well as geological and anthropological studies. Among all the naturally occurring lead isotopes, only 204Pb is non-radiogenic, whereas, 206Pb, 207Pb and 208Pb are the daughter products from the radioactive decay of 238U and 235U and 232Th, respectively. As a consequence, small Pb isotope abundance variation occurs in nature and the isotopic composition of lead in the environment is dependent on local pollution sources. Being able to accurately measure all of the Pb isotopes is important for a number of investigations. Single quadrupole ICP-MS was used to investigate whether this chemical resolution application can offer a reliable and practical solution to the problem of the polyatomic overlap in the presence of organic based matrix samples. The study summarizes the instrument optimization procedure and validation methods for Pb isotope measurements in different organic based matrixes. Different food stuffs were used for that issue: edible oils, wine samples, fruit and vegetables from same and from different geographical region. Keywords: lead isotope, organic matrix, ICP-MS