The analytical methods in the geochemistry in the Tampere area, southern Finland

Sandström, Harry 1996. The analytical methods and the precision of the element determinations used in the regional bedrock geochemistry in the Tampere–Hämeenlinna area, southern Finland. Geological Survey of Finland, Bulletin 393. 25 pages, 11 figures and 5 tables.

Abstract

The analytical methods applied in a pilot project investigating the regional geochemistry of bedrock are described. From comparison of duplicate samples, the sampling, analytical and system precisions are estimated for every element and every method. On the basis of the accuracy and precision data, an analytical and quality control scheme is proposed for the final project phase. It is recommended that the XRF technique relying on pressed pellets and a fundamental parameter method should be adopted as the core technique. However, lanthanoids, U and Th should be analysed by ICP-MS technique after acid digestion and fusion. Because of the better sensitivity, aqua regia leach (+/-mercury co-precipitation) followed by GAAS determination is recommended for precious (Au, Ag, Pd) and semi-metals (As, Bi, Sb, Se), even though this method is based on partial leach.

Key words(GeoRef Thesaurus, AGI): geochemical surveys, bedrock, sampling, chemical analysis, methods, accuracy, precision, quality control, Tampere, Hämeenlinna, Finland

Harry Sandström,
Geological Survey of Finland,
P.O. Box 96, FIN-02151 ESPOO, FINLAND
E-mail: harry.sandstrom@gsf.fi

ISBN 951-690-669-9
ISSN 0367-522X

Price: 56 FIM (incl. VAT)

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