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δ(18O/16O) Determinations in Water Using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Shaun T Lancaster1, Johanna Irrgeher1,2, Remi Dallmayr3
1Department of General, Analytical and Physical Chemistry, Chair of General and Analytical Chemistry, Montanuniversität Leoben, 8700 Leoben, Austria.
Analytical Chemistry
|September 16, 2025
Summary
A new method uses inductively coupled plasma-tandem mass spectrometry (ICP-MS/MS) with deuterium to accurately measure oxygen isotope ratios in water. This approach overcomes interferences, enabling broader applications in environmental and geological studies.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Environmental Science
- Geochemistry
Background:
- Accurate determination of oxygen isotope ratios (¹⁷O/¹⁶O and ¹⁸O/¹⁶O) in water is crucial for various scientific disciplines.
- Traditional methods face challenges with polyatomic interferences in mass spectrometry.
- Inductively coupled plasma-tandem mass spectrometry (ICP-MS/MS) offers potential for improved isotopic analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a novel ICP-MS/MS method for oxygen isotope ratio determination in water.
- To address and overcome polyatomic interferences affecting ¹⁷O and ¹⁸O measurements.
- To assess the method's performance against established techniques and reference materials.
Main Methods:
- Utilized ICP-MS/MS with deuterium (D₂) as a reaction gas to shift oxygen isotopes to OD₃⁺ ions.
- Employed a mass-shifting strategy to eliminate interfering polyatomic ions (¹⁶OH⁺, ¹⁶OH₂⁺).
- Validated the method using IAEA reference materials and in-house standards analyzed by isotope ratio mass spectrometry and cavity ring-down spectroscopy.
Main Results:
- Successfully developed and validated a fully functional ICP-MS/MS approach for oxygen isotope ratio measurements in water.
- Demonstrated effective removal of polyatomic interferences, enabling accurate δ¹⁸O/¹⁶O determinations.
- Observed matrix effects (Na, Cl, Si) causing shifts up to 12‰; method shows potential for δ¹⁷O/¹⁶O analysis.
- Achieved a median uncertainty of 0.70‰ for δ¹⁸O/¹⁶O, comparable to reference methods for low-matrix samples.
Conclusions:
- The developed ICP-MS/MS method provides a validated approach for oxygen isotope ratio analysis in water.
- While current uncertainties are higher than some reference methods, the technique is suitable for applications not requiring ultra-low uncertainties.
- This method allows for simultaneous oxygen isotope and multielemental analysis, expanding its utility in diverse research areas.
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