The analytical geochemistry of platinum group metals in cretaceous/tertiary boundary clays : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in chemistry at Massey University
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Date
1991
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Massey University
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Abstract
The Cretaceous tertiary boundary controversy is discussed. The importance of
the platinum group metals (PGM) as markers of extraterrestrial material in
sediments is explained.
The use of inductively coupled plasma source mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS), and
graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (GF-AAS), to determine PGM
in geological materials, was investigated. Both techniques require the analyte to
be substantially separated from the geological matrix before instrumental
analysis is performed. Separation schemes involving fire-assay, ion exchange
chromatography, solvent extraction, and coprecipitation, were investigated.
A standard ore (PTC- 1) was successfully analysed for Rh and Pd using a
separation scheme involving Te coprecipitation followed by dissolution and
determination by ICP- MS . The same ore was successfully analysed for Pd using
GF-AAS after a separation procedure involving solvent extraction of a
Pd-ammonium pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate complex.
Sedimentary rock samples were collected from a newly discovered K/T
boundary site (Flaxbourne River) in New Zealand. Determinations of Pd in
Flaxbourne River sediments were made using GF-AAS after matrix separation
using solvent extraction.
Elevated levels of Pd at the K/T boundary were found contiguous with elevated
levels of Ir. Besides these PGM, a further twenty elements were determined in
Flaxbourne River K/T boundary sediments. The results of this geochemical
survey are discussed with respect to the impact and volcanism theories (theories
which seek to explain the palaeontological, geochemical, and geological changes
occurring at the K/T boundary).
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Keywords
Cretaceous/Tertiary boundary, Platinum group metals, Geochemistry