A review of antimony (Sb) isotopes analytical methods and application in environmental systems

Abstract

Antimony (Sb) is a metalloid element with potential toxicity and carcinogenicity, and is ubiquitous in our living environment. Sb pollution has become a serious global problem, which has been induced by combustion of fossil fuel and Sb-containing waste as well as mining activities. However, Sb geochemical cycle in environment systems and its inherent hazards to human and ecosystem health are poorly known. Sb isotope technology provides a novel method to counter this challenge. Sb isotopic ratio could not be measured precisely until the introduction of the multiple-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS) at the beginning of the 20th century. This paper systematically reviewed the analytical methods of Sb isotopes, including pre-concentration and separation methods of thiol cotton fiber (TCF) and ion-exchange chromatography, measurement techniques of MC-ICP-MS with hydride generation (HG) and metal doping. Additionally, the Sb isotope fractionation mechanism was summarized in biological, reduction, adsorption, evaporation, precipitation and mixing processes. The Sb isotope application research status is also reviewed, such as illustrating Sb sources and its characteristics of migration and transformation in hydrologic system. Finally, future prospects for Sb isotopes in environmental systems have been proposed, which will promote the advances in the study of Sb pollution and its prevention significantly.