Search Results (3)

Fundamental research, exploration, extraction, and metallurgical studies of rare earth elements (REEs) require the use of analytical techniques. Recently, emerging developments of analytical instrumentation for REEs have taken place, with some of them having shrunk in size, becoming handheld devices. The Flame and Graphite Furnace AAS, ICP-OES, and MP-AES are standard laboratory techniques used for the analysis of REEs. ICP-MS, ICP-MS/MS, ICP-TOF-MS, HR-ICP-MS, MH-ICP-MS, and MC-ICP-MS are popular techniques for REE analysis thanks to their ultrahigh sensitivity, minimal interference effects, and broad applicability. The INAA, XRF, LIBS, and LA-based ICP-MS techniques are widely employed for the direct analysis of solid samples. The TIMS, SIMS, and SHRIMP are common techniques used for dating isotopic REE deposits. The portable XRF, LIBS, and Raman spectrometer devices can perform on-the-spot in situ analysis, which may help make speedy decisions in the exploration study of REEs. Currently, hyperspectral remote sensing platforms, such as handheld, drone, and satellite-based devices, are preferred for the exploration of REEs due to their cost-effectiveness, which enables the coverage of large areas in a limited amount of time. The use of microanalytical sensors installed on remotely operated vehicles has been successfully applied in analyzing rich REE-bearing deposits in the deep sea. In general, this review provides in-depth information on all essential aspects, from analytical instruments to cutting-edge developments in the analysis of REE-bearing resources. Full article

This study investigates the potential of strontium isotopes as a geographical tracer for Vignola cherries. Despite several studies having employed this indicator to trace the origin of food products, the mechanisms underlying the fractionation and translocation of strontium from soil to edible parts remain poorly understood. In this study, the ⁹¹Zr/⁹⁰Zr ratio was used as a normalization pair to correct measurements of ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr and ⁸⁸Sr/⁸⁶Sr (δ⁸⁸Sr). Soil, cherry branches, and fruit samples were collected from various producers and locations. Isotopic analyses were carried out using a double-focusing multi-collector–inductively coupled plasma/mass spectrometer (MC-ICP/MS). External correction was applied using the ⁹¹Zr/⁹⁰Zr ratio, assuming both equal and different fractionation factors for Sr and Zr isotopes. Results from both correction models showed improved accuracy by accounting for fluctuations in instrumental mass bias. Regarding the translocation of strontium, the data indicate an increase in ⁸⁸Sr of approximately 0.2‰ from soil to plant tissue. This trend was consistent across all sampled locations. Full article

The use of analytical techniques is important and critical in all areas related to REE, such as basic fundamental research, exploration, mining, extraction, and metallurgical activities at different stages by different industries. At every stage of these activities, rock, ore, minerals, and other related materials have to be analyzed for their REE contents in terms of elemental, isotopic, and mineralogical concentrations using different analytical techniques. Spectacular developments have taken place in the area of analytical instrumentation during the last four decades, with some of them having shrunk in size and become handheld. Among laboratory-based techniques, F-AAS, GF-AAS, ICP-OES, and MP-AES have become very popular. Because of high sensitivity, fewer interference effects, and ease of use, ICP-MS techniques, such as quadrupole ICP-MS, ICP-MS/MS, ICP-TOF-MS, MH-ICP-MS, HR-ICP-MS, and MC-ICP-MS, with both solution nebulization as well as direct solid analysis using laser ablation sample introduction methods, have become more popular for REE analysis. For direct analysis of solids, INAA, XRF, and LIBS techniques, as well as LA-based ICP-MS techniques, are being extensively utilized. The LIBS technique in particular requires little to no sample preparation. TIMS, SIMS, and SHRIMP techniques are being used for isotopic as well as dating REE depots. Portable analytical techniques, such as pXRF, pLIBS, and Raman spectrometers are able to perform in situ analysis even in the field, helping to make fast decisions during exploration studies. At present, hyperspectral remote sensing techniques including handheld, drone, and satellite-based techniques have become very popular in REE exploration studies because of their ability to cover larger areas in a limited time and, thus, became very cost-effective. Deployment of microanalytical devices/sensors mounted in remotely operated vehicles (ROV) is being successfully utilized in detecting REE-rich deposits in the deep oceans. Providing updated in-depth information on all these important aspects with suitable examples, especially from the point of view of REE research studies is the focal point of this review article. Full article