Accurate determinations of fifty-four major and trace elements in carbonate by LA–ICP-MS using normalization strategy of bulk components as 100%

Here we describe an internal standard-independent calibration strategy for LA–ICP-MS analysis of fifty-four major and trace elements in carbonate. Based on the normalization strategy of bulk components as 100%, the MRM-NoIS (calibrated against multiple silicate reference materials without using internal standard) was used to correct the matrix-dependent absolute amount of materials ablated during each run. Applying MRM-NoIS and using the MPI-DING reference glasses as reference materials for external calibration, analyses of carbonate standard MACS-3 generally agree with recommended values within 10% for most trace elements (better than 5% for REEs and major elements). Analyses of natural igneous calcite grains agree with the results of solution-ICP-MS values within 10% for Mg, Sc, Mn, Sr and REEs. The results indicate that, applying MRM-NoIS and using MPI-DING reference glasses as multiple reference materials for calibration, carbonate can be accurately analyzed in situ by LA–ICP-MS without applying internal standardization and matrix matching external standards. Our results also indicate that the working value of Nb in carbonate pellet MACS-3 could be 53.4 μg/g rather than 35.2 μg/g given in the test of G-Probe 4.

Research Highlights
► Applying multiple silicate reference materials without using internal standard.
► Major and trace elements in carbonate can be accurately analyzed by LA–ICP-MS.
► Working value of Nb in carbonate pellet MACS-3 is revised to be 53.4 ppm.