High-Precision In Situ ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr Analyses through Microsampling on Solid Samples: Applications to Earth and Life...

Area of Science:

• Geochemistry
• Isotope Geology
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Microscale isotopic analysis is crucial for understanding complex geological and biological processes.
• Existing methods often lack the precision or invasiveness required for microscale investigations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel analytical protocol for high-precision, in situ microscale isotopic investigations.
• To detail the methodology from microsampling to Sr-isotope measurements.
• To demonstrate the broad applicability of microscale ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr isotope ratios.

Main Methods:

• Development of a high-performing mechanical microsampling device.
• Integration with high-precision Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometry (TIMS).
• Minimally invasive sampling for micro-Sr analysis.

Main Results:

• Achieved excellent accuracy and precision in microscale Sr-isotope measurements.
• Successfully applied the method to diverse case studies in volcanology and paleontology.
• Demonstrated the robustness and wide applicability of the developed protocol.

Conclusions:

• The presented method enables high-precision, in situ microscale isotopic investigations across various solid materials.
• The technique is valuable for unraveling pre-eruptive volcanic mechanisms, magma ascent dynamics, and paleoenvironmental reconstructions.
• The method's robustness supports its application in fields such as cultural heritage, archaeology, petrology, and forensic sciences.