4. Isotope dilution: a solution to incomplete extraction of the element of interest?

4.1 Introduction

As described in the previous paragraphs, the dissolution of the elements making up solid samples uses various techniques of varying levels of performance, depending on the nature of the elements sought and the type of matrix to be attacked. Dissolved elements are analyzed by measuring their concentration and/or isotopic composition. In the geosciences, and particularly in the field of geochronology, the accuracy and precision of these measurements depend on the extraction yield. This need not be 100%, but its value must be perfectly known.

The isotope dilution technique makes it possible to overcome this yield and calculate an elemental concentration. This precise measurement of elemental contents is not only useful and necessary in the geosciences,...