Projects
Dispersed Particle Extraction – a novel method for analyte pre-concentration and matrix removal for improvement of trace element analysis via single- and multi-collector ICP-MS een nieuwe methode voor analietpreconcentratie en matrixverwijdering ter verbe Ghent University
This project aims at the development of a new sample preparation method (Dispersed Particle Extraction) for analyte pre-concentration and a more efficient removal of matrix elements. At Ghent University, this method would be used in the context of the measurement of Fe isotope ratios in digested whole blood via multi-collector inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry.
Planets: Tracing the Transfer, Origin, Preservation, and Evolution of their Reservoirs Ghent University
Development of methods for elemental and isotopic analysis of meteorite material and impact craters based on the use of ICP-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Spatially resolved analysis and 2-dimensional mapping of the element distribution via laser ablation - ICP-MS. Development of methods (chromatographic isolation and subsequent measurement of isotope ratios) for isotopic analysis of selected elements via multi-collector ICP-MS.
Can a combination of isotopic analysis of Fe, Cu and Zn using multi-collector inductively coupled plasma - mass spectrometry and chemometric analysis be used for diagnosis of metal-related diseases? Ghent University
Isotopic analysis of the essential transition metals Fe, Cu and Zn in human blood via multi-collector ICP-MS after their chemical isolation. Characterization of the spread in the isotope ratios of Fe, Cu and Zn in the reference population and identification of the governing factors. Comparison of the isotopic composition of Fe, Cu and Zn in blood from the reference population to the corresponding values in patient populations. Evaluation of ...
Research in mass-independent isotopic fractionation’ Ghent University
Investigation of instrumental mass discrimination (higher transmission efficiency for the heavier of two isotopes) affecting the measurement of isotope ratios with multi-collector ICP-mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS). Obtaining insight into the origin of mass discrimination via computer simulation and experimental research. Specific attention for the isotopic analysis of mercury - assessment of the potential existence of the occurrence of ...
Application of Sm-Nd and Lu-Hf isotope systems in geological and archeometric research Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Platform for interdisciplinary isotopic research by means of multi-collector inductively coupled plasma - mass spectrometry Ghent University
As a hybrid mass spectrometer, MC-ICPMS combines an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) plasma source, an energy filter, a magnetic sector analyzer, and multiple collectors for the measurement of ions. The ions are produced by introducing the sample into an inductively coupled plasma which strips off electrons thereby creating positively charged ions. These ions are accelerated across an electrical potential gradient (up to 10 KV) and focused ...
Lithium (7Li/6Li) and boron (11B/10B) isotopes: additions to our existing biogeochemical arsenal of tracers in the Earth and Planetary Sciences Ghent University
Development of analytical protocols for chemical isolation of the target elements Li and B out of various sample types for their subsequent high-precision isotopic analysis using multi-collector ICP – mass spectrometry. Li (δ7Li) and B (δ11B) isotope ratios will be used as paleoproxies, i.e. to unravel information on the prevailing temperature, CO2 level, surface erosion levels, etc in the distant past.
Isotopic research via the combination of laser ablation with single-collector and multi-collector ICP-mass spectrometry Ghent University
Development of analytical methods based on the combination of deep-UV ArF* excimer laser ablation (LA) with single-collector or multi-collector ICP-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for application to real-life problems, including the determination of the platinum group elements (PGMs) in Pb disks, obtained via fire assay treatment of the samples of interest, via LA-ICP-MS using isotope dilution for calibration, quasi non-destructive isotopic ...
Combination of high-end instrumental techniques for analysis of skeletal tissue to obtain insight into human migration, mobility and diet. Ghent University
The study of human migration and mobility has developed into an important area in archaeology as it provides essential information for understanding historical processes. My aim is to develop novel and further refine existing physicochemical approaches to extract information concerning migration/mobility and diet via elemental and isotopic analysis of fossil skeletal remains (teeth, bones). A combination of high-end analytical instrumentation ...