In this course, students will be introduced to the foundational principles of analytical chemistry and gain hands-on experience with a variety of instrumental techniques critical to the field of geochemistry. The course will cover the theoretical framework necessary to understand the chemical properties and behaviours of environmental and geological materials. Students will explore the full process of geochemical sampling, including sample preparation, data acquisition, and subsequent data analysis. Emphasis will be placed on the use of advanced instrumentation for chemical analysis, particularly X-ray fluorescence (XRF), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).

Through a combination of lectures and laboratory work, students will not only learn about the underlying principles behind these analytical techniques but also practice applying them in real-world scenarios. The laboratory component of the course is designed to be highly interactive, with a focus on working with environmental and geological samples, ensuring that students develop practical skills in operating the instrumentation and interpreting complex data sets.

The course structure includes 3 hours of lecture per week, where theoretical concepts will be discussed, and 6 hours of laboratory work, where students will engage in hands-on exercises. Over the span of two weeks, this intensive format will prepare students to confidently approach both routine and advanced geochemical analyses in academic or professional settings.

X-RAY FLUORESCENCE:

X-ray fluorescence (XRF) is an analytical technique used to determine the elemental composition of materials. It is widely applied in various fields such as geology, material science, environmental analysis, and even in industrial applications for quality control.

SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPES AND MICROPROBES:

A Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) is a powerful and versatile imaging tool used to observe the surface structure and composition of a wide range of materials at very high magnifications, often on the order of nanometers. SEM is widely used in fields such as materials science, biology, geology, and nanotechnology because of its ability to produce highly detailed, three-dimensional images of sample surfaces.

An Electron Probe Microanalyzer (EPMA) is a specialized type of electron microscope used for quantitative chemical analysis of solid materials at a microscopic scale. It is particularly useful in geology, materials science, metallurgy, and other fields where precise elemental composition and microstructural information are needed. EPMA combines the imaging capabilities of a scanning electron microscope (SEM) with highly accurate, quantitative elemental analysis through X-ray spectroscopy.

MASS SPECTROMETRY:

Mass Spectrometry (MS) is an analytical technique used to measure the mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) of ions. It is a powerful tool for identifying the composition of a sample by detecting and quantifying different molecules or atoms based on their mass. MS is widely used in chemistry, biology, environmental science, and many other fields to analyze complex mixtures, determine molecular structures, and measure isotopic abundances.

HANDLING ANALYTICAL DATA:

Handling analytical data involves a series of steps designed to ensure accurate data collection, processing, analysis, storage, and interpretation. Whether the data comes from techniques like mass spectrometry, chromatography, spectroscopy, or any other analytical instrumentation, managing the data properly is critical for deriving meaningful results and ensuring the reliability and reproducibility of findings.

PRACTICAL EXERCISE I

Working with XRF Data Here we are going to explore of how to process and interpret data from X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyses. The focus is on practical exercises aimed at transforming raw elemental data into meaningful geochemical interpretations, particularly for applications in mineral chemistry and whole-rock analysis.

PRACTICAL EXERCISE II

Data reduction for LA-ICP-MS using Saturn software involves converting raw laser ablation data into meaningful geochemical and isotopic information through a streamlined and user-friendly workflow. Saturn automates critical steps such as background subtraction, isotope ratio calculation, drift correction, and fractionation adjustments. It offers advanced features like customizable correction models (linear, exponential, or polynomial) to handle diverse fractionation behaviours, ensuring precise U-Pb dating, trace element analysis, and isotope ratio determinations. The software also integrates visualization tools, enabling real-time data quality assessment and facilitating the identification of patterns or anomalies. With its emphasis on flexibility and accuracy, Saturn is a powerful tool for researchers working in geochronology, provenance studies, and other fields leveraging LA-ICP-MS data.