Multi-Collector Mass Spectrometers

The multi-collector mass spectrometer is a powerful tool that is particularly designed for measuring high precision isotope ratios. The Department is equipped with a wide range of multi-collector mass spectrometers, including both MC-ICP-MS (Nu Plasma, Nu Plasma II) and TIMS (Thermo Finnigan Triton) for different research and teaching purposes. We also have the prepFAST MC, an automated sample purification system, that can allow high sample throughput. The instruments provide a full range of analytical capabilities for measuring various isotopic systems in minerals, rocks, meteorites, sediments, waters, and biological samples, ranging from the land to the ocean, and from the Earth to the Moon.

In Oxford we are one of the few laboratories world-wide to have a great suite of novel mass spectrometers and advanced techniques. We have developed a wide range of analytical methods for measuring diverse isotopic systems (e.g. Li, Ca, V, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Sr, Mo, Cd, Ba, Nd, W, Pb, Ra, Th, Pa, and U, please see our recent publications for references). Our isotope research facilities can provide collaborative support for a wide range of stable and radiogenic isotope applications.

Recent publications

Bridgestock et al. (2019) Increased export production during recovery from the Paleocene-Eocene thermal maximum constrained by sedimentary Ba isotopes. EPSL 510, 53-63. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2018.12.036
Carolin et al. (2019) Precise timing of abrupt increase in dust activity in the Middle East coincident with 4.2 ka social change. PNAS 116(1), 62-72. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1808103115
Zhang et al. (2019) Monitoring Cr toxicity and remediation processes-combininga whole-cell bioreporter and Cr isotope techniques. Water Research 153, 295-303. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2019.01.009
Zhang et al. (2019) Using stable isotope fractionation factors to identify Cr(VI) reduction pathways: Metal-mineral-microbe interactions. Water Research 151, 98-109. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2018.11.088
Murphy et al. (2019) Tracing silicate weathering processes in the permafrost-dominated Lena River watershed using lithium isotopes. GCA 245, 154-171. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2018.10.024
Hopkins et al. (2019) The vanadium isotopic composition of lunar basalts. EPSL 511, 12-24. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2019.01.008
Larner et al. (2019) Copper isotope compositions of superoxide dismutase and metallothionein from post-mortem human frontal cortex. Inorganics 7, 86. https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics7070086
Hemsing et al. (2018) Barium isotopes in cold-water corals. EPSL 491, 183-192. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2018.03.040
Bridgestock et al. (2018) Controls on the barium isotope compositions of marine sediments. EPSL 481, 101-110. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2017.10.019
Sweere et al. (2018) Isotopic evidence for changes in the zinc cycle during Oceanic Anoxic Event 2 (Late Cretaceous). Geology 46(5), 463-466. https://doi.org/10.1130/G40226.1
Deng et al. (2018) Evolution of 231Pa and 230Th in overflow waters of the North Atlantic. Biogeosciences 15(23), 7299-7313. https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-15-7299-2018
Zhang et al. (2018) Variations of stable isotope fractionation during bacterial chromium reduction processes and their implications. Chemical Geology 481, 155-164. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemgeo.2018.02.004
Batenburg et al. (2018) Major intensification of Atlantic overtuning circulation at the onset of Paleogene greenhouse warmth. Nature Communications 9(1), 4954. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-018-07457-7
Hsieh and Henderson (2017) Barium stable isotopes in the global ocean: Tracer of Ba inputs and utilization. EPSL 473, 269-278. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2017.06.024
Hooker et al. (2017) Fluid evolution in fracturing black shales, Appalachian Basin. AAPG Bulletin 101(8), 1203-1238. https://doi.org/10.1306/10031616030
Wainer et al. (2017) Speleothem evidence for MIS 5c and 5a sea level above modern level at Bermuda. EPSL 457, 325-334. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2016.10.005
Pogge Von Strandmann et al. (2017) Lithium isotopes in speleothems: Temperature-controlled variation in silicate weathering during glacial cycles. EPSL 469, 64-74. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2017.04.014
Dickson et al. (2017) Molybdenum-isotope chemostratigraphy and paleoceanography of the Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event (Early Jurassic). Paleoceanography 32(8), 813-829. https://doi.org/10.1002/2016PA003048
Tedeschi et al. (2017) New age constraints on Aptian evaporits and carbonates from the South Atlantic: Implications for Oceanic Anoxic Event 1a. Geology 45(6), 543-546. https://doi.org/10.1130/G38886.1
Dickson (2017) A molybdenum-isotope perspective on Phanerozoic deoxygenation events. Nature Geoscience 10, 721-726. https://www.nature.com/articles/ngeo3028
Yang et al. (2017) The molybdenum isotopic compositions of I-, S- and A-type granitic suites. GCA 205, 168-186. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2017.01.027
Liang et al. (2017) Molybdenum isotope fractionation in the mantle. GCA 199, 91-111. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2016.11.023
Owen et al. (2016) Calcium isotopes in caves as a proxy for aridity: Modern calibration and application to the 8.2 kyr event. EPSL 433. 129-138. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2016.03.027
Dickson et al. (2016) Basin-scale controls on the molybdenum-isotope composition of seawater during Oceanic Anoxic Event 2 (Late Cretaceous). GCA 178, 291-306. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2015.12.036
Sweere et al. (2016) Definition of new trace-metal proxies for the controls on organic matter enrichment in marine sediments based on Mn, Co, Mo and Cd concentrations. Chemical Geology 441, 235-245. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemgeo.2016.08.028
Bonnand et al. (2016) Stable chromium isotopic composition of meteorites and metal-silicate experiments: implications for fractionation during core formation. EPSL 435, 14-21. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2015.11.026
Larner (2016) Can we use high precision metal isotope analysis to improve our understanding of cancer? Anal. Bioanal. Chem. 408(2), 346-349. DOI:10.1007/s00216-015-9201-5