Light Organic Isotope Analysis

Poster: Establishing carbon fluxes in a plant-soil ecosystem. Click to enlarge.

This section determines the stable isotope ratios of light elements including carbon, nitrogen and oxygen in a wide range of sample types. Methods for determination of hydrogen isotopes are under development.

The section has three isotope ratio mass spectrometers (IRMS) all by Thermo Finnigan:

1. a DeltaPlus XP,
2. a DeltaPlus Advantage and
3. a Delta V Advantage

These are connected to a range of peripherals allowing a wide variety of sample types to be analysed.

Solid samples are analysed using either a Flash EA 1112 Series elemental analyser or a TC/EA high temperature elemental analyser both of which are connected to the Delta Plus XP via a Conflo III.

Gases are analysed using a Gas-bench II attached to the Delta Plus Advantage.

Compound specific isotope analysis is performed by A GC Trace Ultra with combustion columns attached via a GC Combustion III connected to the Delta V Advantage.

View table of sample types and capabilities

For more information about the work in this section and sample preparation contact:

Barry Thornton

Tel: 01224 395123

Back to Isotope Analysis

Presentation on the other analytical services we offer (1.4 MB pdf)