Stable Isotope Analysis

Stable Isotope

Stable Isotope'

Biogeochemical Analytical Service Laboratory carries out the following isotopic analysis:

Analysis isotope ratio of 15N/14N and 13C/12C in solid samples
Analysis of total nitrogen, carbon and hydrogen contents in solid and particulate in water samples
Analysis isotope ratio of 18O/16O and D/H in liquid water samples
Analysis isotope ratio of 18O/16O and D/H in solid samples

Instrumentation:

EuroEA Elemental Analyzer (EuroVector)
Hekatech High Temperature Oxygen Analyzer (Hekatech)
IsoPrime Mass Spectrometer (GV instrument)
CE-440 Elemental Analyzer (Exeter Analytical Inc)
Los Gatos Liquid Water Isotope Analyzer (Los Gatos Research)

If you are interested in any of the above analyzes, please contact Alvin Kwan (alvin.kwan@ualberta.ca) for more information.


Analysis isotope ratio of 15N/14N  and 13C/12C in solid samples

The Biogeochemical Analytical Service Laboratory provides analysis on 15N/14N, 13C/12C, nitrogen and carbon contents in solid samples using EuroEA Elemental Analyzer (EuroVector) coupled with Isoprime Mass Spectrometer (GV Instruments).

Sample Preparation

Sample should be freeze dried and grinded for homogeneity. The sample weight would depend on the sample matrix. We recommend running test samples of your material to determine the sample weight required. Samples are loaded and weighted into 5x9mm or 3.5x5mm tin capsules depending on the sample size using a microbalance, and folded into a sphere shape. The folded sample is then placed into a standard 96 well plate, and stored in a desiccator.

Note: If you require lab preparation of your sample, additional charge will apply. Please consult with the lab ahead of time.


Analysis of total nitrogen, carbon and hydrogen contents in solid and particulate in water samples

The Biogeochemical Analytical Service Laboratory provides analysis total nitrogen, carbon and hydrogen contents in both solid and particulate in water samples using CE-440 Elemental Analyzer (Exeter Analytical Inc).

Sample Preparation

Solid samples: Sample should be freeze dried and grinded for homogeneity. Please consult with the lab about the sample weight required. Samples are loaded and weighted into 5x9mm tin capsules using a microbalance, and folded into a sphere shape. The folded sample is then placed into a standard 96 well plate, and stored in a desiccator.

Particulate in water samples: Water samples are filtered through a 0.7um muffled 24mm GF/F (450ºC for 2 hours) until a brown color is seen on the filter.  The volume passed through the filter must be recorded.  The filter is dried in an oven at 50C for a minimum of 24 hours and stored in a desiccator for up to one year.

Note: If you require lab preparation of your sample, additional charge will apply. Please consult with the lab ahead of time.


Analysis isotope ratio of 18O/16O and D/H in liquid water samples

The Biogeochemical Analytical Service Laboratory provides analysis on 18O/16O and D/H ratios in water samples using Los Gatos Liquid Water Isotope Analyzer (Los Gatos Research).

Sample Preparation

Evaporation is the most serious problem for 18O/16O and DH analysis in liquid water samples. The use of high-density polyethylene bottle with tight caps or 2mL autosampler vial is recommended. Sample container should be filled up all the way to the top with no headspace to avoid isotope exchange with vapor. Please also advise the lab if the water sample is fresh water or salt water.


Analysis isotope ratio of 18O/16O and D/H in solid samples

The Biogeochemical Analytical Service Laboratory provides analysis of 18O/16O and D/H ratios in solid phase samples using Hekatech High Temperature Oxygen Analyzer coupled with. Isoprime Mass Spectrometer (GV Instruments).

Sample Preparation

Sample should be freeze dried and grinded for homogeneity. The sample size would depend on the sample matrix. We recommend running test samples of your material to determine the sample size required. Samples are loaded into 5x9mm or 3.5x5mm silver capsules depending on the sample size, and folded into a sphere shape. The folded sample is then placed into a standard 96 well plate, and stored in a desiccator.

Note: If you require lab preparation of your sample, additional charge will apply. Please consult with the lab ahead of time.