Geology topics
John R. Garbarino
Publications and source records attributed to John R. Garbarino.
Determination of size and element composition distributions of complex colloids by sedimentation field-flow fractionation—inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
Sedimentation field-flow fractionation (SdFFF) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) have been directly combined and the resulting SdFFF-ICP-MS instrument can be used to produce element based size distributions of colloidal samples. Using appropriate tracer elements the size distributions of specific components can be picked out from a complex mixture. Changes in chemical composition of mixtures as a function of particle size can be readily monitored by plotting appropriate element atomic ratio distributions. These applications have been illustrated using data obtained with samples of the clay minerals kaolinite and illite and a natural suspended particulate matter from the Darling River (Australia).
Analytical applications of inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry
No abstract available.
Flame ionization mass spectrometry--Isotope ratio determinations for potassium
The air/acetylene flame provides a convenient ion source for the determination of potassium isotopic ratios by mass spectrometry. Unlike the argon inductively coupled plasma (ICP), the flame provides low background in the mass region of interest. Ion production is quite satisfactory for isotope ratio measurements at the micrograms per milliliter (μg/mL) level and slightly below, with 1 μg/mL potassium giving about 10<sup>5</sup>counts/second at a nominal mass-to-charge ratio of 39. The detection limit for potassium was 2-3 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). The ratio of <sup>41</sup>K/<sup>39</sup>K was measured with 0.5-1% relative standard deviation, and a <sup>41</sup>K spike representing 0.2% of the total potassium was readily detected. Both signal levels and signal stability were improved by adding a second easily ionized element such as cesium to samples and standards. Alternatively, a cesium solution could be aspirated for about 1 minute between sample measurements to ensure signal stability.
Assessment of the analytical capabilities of inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry
A thorough assessment of the analytical capabilities of inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry was conducted for selected analytes of importance in water quality applications and hydrologic research. A multielement calibration curve technique was designed to produce accurate and precise results in analysis times of approximately one minute. The suite of elements included Al, As, B, Ba, Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se, Sr, V, and Zn. The effects of sample matrix composition on the accuracy of the determinations showed that matrix elements (such as Na, Ca, Mg, and K) that may be present in natural water samples at concentration levels greater than 50 mg/L resulted in as much as a 10% suppression in ion current for analyte elements. Operational detection limits are presented.
Ground-water contamination by organic bases derived from coal-tar wastes
A fluid sample from a shallow aquifer contaminated by coal-tar wastes was analyzed for organic bases. The sample consisted of a mixture of aqueous and oily-tar phases. The phases were separated by centrifugation and filtration. Organic bases were isolated from each phase by pH adjustment and solvent extraction. Organic bases in the oily-tar phase were further purified by neutral-alumina, micro-column adsorption chromatography. Separation and identification of the organic bases in each phase were achieved by using capillary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-computer (GC-MS-COM) and probe distillation-high resolution mass spectrometry (PD-HRMS) techniques. Organic bases present in the aqueous phase included primary aromatic amines (such as aniline, alkylated anilines, and naphthylamines) as well as azaarenes (such as alkylated pyridines, quinolines, acridine, and benzoquinolines). The oily-tar phase contained acridine, benzacridines, dibenzacridines, and numerous other azaarenes, the elemental compositions of which were determined by PD-HRMS. Azaarenes in the oily-tar phase, varying in size from 6 to 12 rings, are reported for the first time. The origin and environmental significance of these compounds are discussed.