Applications of lead isotope ratio measurements

Lead isotope ratio measurements (Pb-IRM) have been widely used for identification purposes for several decades. This article reviews current analytical techniques available for Pb-IRM, including: (i) thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS); (ii) quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (Q-ICP-MS); (iii) inductively coupled plasma sector field mass spectrometry (ICP-SMS); (iv) multiple collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS); and, (v) inductively coupled plasma time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ICP-TOF-MS). We summarize recent applications of Pb-IRM in four major areas, including: (i) tracing Pb sources and monitoring historical and environmental changes; (ii) determination of Pb by isotope-dilution mass spectrometry; (iii) forensic examination and authentication; and, (iv) U-Pb and U-Th-Pb dating of zircon. In addition, we briefly describe new trends in direct Pb-IRM for solid and liquid samples.