Radiocarbon Dating at Groningen: New and Updated Chemical Pretreatment Procedures

M W Dee,D Paul,J J Spriensma,F Ghebru,M O Bleeker,A Scifo,A Th Aerts-Bijma,H A J Meijer,D Van Zonneveld,H G Jansen,S W L Palstra,B M A A Verstappen-Dumoulin,R R Richie,S De Bruijn,P Wietzes-Land,M Kuitems

doi:10.1017/rdc.2019.101

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe Centre for Isotope Research (CIO) at the University of Groningen has operated a radiocarbon (14C) dating laboratory for almost 70 years. In 2017, the CIO received a major upgrade, which involved the relocation of the laboratory to new purpose-built premises, and the installation of a MICADAS accelerator mass spectrometer. This period of transition provides an opportunity to update the laboratory’s routine procedures. This article addresses all of the processes and quality checks the CIO has in place for registering, tracking and pretreating samples for radiocarbon dating. Complementary updates relating to radioisotope measurement and uncertainty propagation will be provided in other forthcoming publications. Here, the intention is to relay all the practical information regarding the chemical preparation of samples, and to provide a concise explanation as to why each step is deemed necessary.

Highlights

The Centre for Isotope Research (CIO) hosts the longest-running radiocarbon (14C) dating unit currently in operation
In 2017, the CIO received a major upgrade, which involved the relocation of the laboratory to new purpose-built premises, and the installation of a MICADAS accelerator mass spectrometer
This article addresses all of the processes and quality checks the CIO has in place for registering, tracking and pretreating samples for radiocarbon dating

Summary

Introduction

The Centre for Isotope Research (CIO) hosts the longest-running radiocarbon (14C) dating unit currently in operation. This article addresses all of the processes and quality checks the CIO has in place for registering, tracking and pretreating samples for radiocarbon dating. This paper discusses the protocols employed for the registration, tracking and pretreatment of samples submitted for 14C dating. The FileMaker Pro database contains records of all the electronic correspondence with the submitter; the pretreatment procedures applied to each sample; the resultant stable isotope and other supporting data.

Results

Conclusion