A test of reproducibility of authigenic beryllium extraction from clay sediment in the facility of the Dept. of Geology and Palaeontology, Comenius University in Bratislava (Slovakia).

The purpose of the study was to investigate, whether the newly developed laboratory at the Dept. of Geology and Palaeontology (Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia) is suitable for processing of samples for authigenic 10Be/9Be dating method. The approach was validated on reprocessing of four samples, which were previously analysed at CEREGE (Aix-en-Provence, France). The samples underwent leaching and resin chemistry. Each sample was triplicated with the preparation of a blank sample. Processed samples were sent to CEREGE for isotopic measurements, which provided 15 values of 10Be/9Be ratio. The obtained values showed a good consistency for each sample, although two subsamples appeared as outliers (one of which was original). Analytical uncertainties are comparable to the original measurements, difference is below 1.5 %. Processing blanks yielded stable values at least three orders of magnitude lower than measured subsample 10Be/9Be ratios, what imply a good workflow conditions. These tests revealed that the new laboratory is suitable for processing samples for authigenic 10Be/9Be dating method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]