High precision isotope ratio measurements by MC-ICP-MS found increasing applications in in various scientific fields allowing tracing sources and processes using stable and radiogenic isotope signatures. The usefulness of such approach can be limited by analytical challenges in obtaining reliable isotope information (especially for elements present at trace levels relevant for uncontaminated environmental matrices or in situations where available sample size is limited) and by natural variability of isotope compositions. This challenges will be discussed on example of case study focusing on assessment of variability for several isotope systems.
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Prof. Ilia Rodushkin is currently working as Laboratory Manager at ALS Scandinavia AB, Division 1, Luleå, Sweden, a position held since 2002. Associated Professor in Applied Geology with focus on Analytical Chemistry at Luleå University of Technology since 2001.