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Published on: June 10, 2019
[Elementary Analysis of Seashell Based on Calcium Internal Reference with Micro-Probe Laser Induced Breakdown
Shellfish analysis using Micro-probe Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (Micro-LIBS) is effective for marine monitoring. Optimal elemental analysis requires careful selection of calcium (Ca) reference lines, with total or atomic lines proving more reliable than ionic lines.
Area of Science:
- Marine biology
- Geochemistry
- Analytical chemistry
Background:
- Shellfish serve as valuable proxies for marine ecosystem monitoring.
- Elemental distribution in shells can reveal climate evolution and growth patterns.
- Calcium (Ca) is commonly used as an internal reference for elemental analysis in shells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate different calcium (Ca) internal reference lines for Micro-probe Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (Micro-LIBS) analysis of scallop shells.
- To determine the most suitable Ca reference for accurate elemental composition and shell growth studies.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of scallop shell composition using Micro-probe Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (Micro-LIBS).
- Comparison of elemental ratios (Sr/Ca, Li/Ca, K/Ca, Na/Ca, Mn/Ca) using different calcium internal references: total-line, atomic lines (Ca Ⅰ 422.7 nm/Ca Ⅰ 487.9 nm), and ionic line (Ca Ⅱ 393.3 nm).
Main Results:
- Using total-line or the strongest atomic line (Ca Ⅰ 422.7 nm) as Ca reference resulted in less than 7% and 10% fluctuation in Sr/Ca ratio, respectively, aligning with shell growth.
- The element ratio Li/Ca showed a high correlation with K/Ca and Na/Ca, suggesting co-accumulation patterns during shell growth.
- Calcium ionic lines were found to be less suitable for reliable elemental analysis in shells.
Conclusions:
- Micro-probe Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (Micro-LIBS) is a practical technique for seashell investigation.
- Accurate elemental analysis of shells is achievable using calcium total-line or strong atomic lines as internal references.
- Calcium ionic lines are not recommended as internal references for Micro-LIBS analysis of shells due to variability.
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