Application of a noble gas mass spectrometric system in environmental studies

• Published in: Vacuum Vol. 61; no. 2; pp. 441 - 445
• Main Authors: Futo, I, Molnar, M, Palcsu, L, Svingor, E, Szanto, Zs
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 14.05.2001; Elsevier
• Subjects: Analysis methods; Applied sciences; Earth sciences; Earth, ocean, space; Engineering and environment geology. Geothermics; Engineering geology; Exact sciences and technology; Isotope geochemistry; Mass spectrometer; Natural water pollution; Noble gas; Pollution; Pollution, environment geology; Tritium; Water treatment and pollution; Tritium; Noble gas; Mass spectrometer; Isotope geochemistry; Radioactive pollution; Geochemistry; Isotopic composition; Radioisotope; Aquifers; Hydrochemistry; Investigation method; Helium 4; Helium 3; Pollution source; Headspace; Water pollution; Mass spectrometry; Ground water
• ISSN: 0042-207X; 1879-2715
• DOI: 10.1016/S0042-207X(01)00141-5

In environmental research, the measurements and evaluation of the isotope ratios represent an important step in explanation of many processes. There are nuclear processes in the environment where stable noble gas isotopes as well as alpha- and beta-decay or spontaneous fission are generated. Therefore, the isotope ratio and concentration can change to such a pitch that notable explanation about these processes can be given in the course of the evaluation of isotope ratio values. The most often used measurement is the tritium–helium method to determine the tritium concentration of water by 3He ingrowth. The noble gas isotope ratios can be measured from dissolved gas of groundwater or headspace gases. The measurement is done by a VG5400 noble gas mass spectrometer.