Isotopic measurements of Sr, Nd, Li and Mg standards using the Thermo ScientificTM TritonTM Plus mass spectrometer at the INGV - Osservatorio Vesuviano

At the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia Osservatorio Vesuviano (INGVOV), highprecision Sr and Nd isotope ratios determinations have been carried out on geological and archaeological samples since 2002, by using a multicollector ThermoFinnigan™ mass spectrometer. In 2020 Li isotopes were measured in dynamic mode, following the chemical separation of this element from the matrix. In 2021, a task force was established in order to buy the Thermo Scientific™ Triton™ Plus Series Multicollector Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometer and all the equipment required for its operation. It integrates the established fieldproven technologies from the Triton Series instruments with the latest developments in technology for isotope ratio analysis. The instrument enables highprecision isotopic measurements via thermal ionization and has an increased speed, sensitivity, and precision with the use of the 1013 Ω Amplifier Technology™. During the last years, following the installation of the Thermo Scientific™ Triton™ Plus mass spectrometer, the analyses of international reference standards of Sr, Nd, Li, and Mg have been performed in static mode, to configure the instrument and to verify the reproducibility of the measurements over time. The results demonstrate good reproducibility for all the standards. The mass spectrometer has also been configured for U isotopes measurements in dynamic mode using the secondary electron multiplier (SEM) detector, and isotopic analyses on the international reference standard are underway. Here we summarize the main features of the Thermo Scientific™ Triton™ Plus mass spectrometer, the procedures for Sr, Nd, Li, Mg isotopes determination and for the chemical separation of Mg by chromatographic technique on column (in addition to the already established separation schemes of Sr, Nd, Li). The combined use of all the mentioned systematics, in environmental and volcanological studies, represents the starting point for future challenges in the research activities of the Osservatorio Vesuviano.