A rapid analytical technique of laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was developed to measure trace element constituents in corals and hard sponges. This technique is illustrated by measuring B, Mg, Ca, Mn, Zn, Sr, Ba and U in a Porites coral collected from the Great Barrier Reef, Australia. The accuracy of laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spec- trometry for the measurement of Sr/Ca and Ba/Ca in corals by comparison with solution isotope dilution induc- tively coupled plasma mass spectrometry is discussed. We demonstrate the significance of the Sr/Ca ratio by correlation with in situ sea surface temperature data to show that Sr/Ca in corals provides a means to retrospec- tively measure sea surface temperature prior to available instrumental records. Coral Ba/Ca ratios as an indicator of riverine sediment input during times of runoff into the Great Barrier Reef are also examined.
The document details a rapid analytical technique developed by researchers at The Australian National University to measure trace element constituents in corals and hard sponges. It focuses on the use of Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) as an alternative to traditional, time-consuming methods like solution isotope dilution ICP-MS.
| Laser Wavelength | 193 nm |
|---|---|
| Laser Pulse Length | 25 nsec |
| Power Density on Sample | 0.32 GW/cm² |
| Laser Pulse Frequency | 5 Hz |
| Sampling Slit Size | 50 x 500 um |
The study measured B, Mg, Ca, Mn, Zn, Sr, Ba and U.
Sub-weekly resolution is usually obtained, yielding over 100 samples per year.