Stable Isotopes H, C, N, O, S

The laboratory specializes in the stable isotope geochemistry of light elements, blending analytical method development with the application of isotope geochemistry across geoscience areas. In the past, the requirements for the laboratory were mainly in the field of economic geology and sedimentology, currently it is geochemistry and biogeochemistry (for the study of environmental processes) and for palaeoenvironmental analysis, hydrogeology and hydrology.

Range of Services

• Determination of H, C, N, O and S isotopes in natural materials (analysis details are specified in the price list)

Method Description

Stable isotope geochemistry of light elements examines the variations in stable isotope ratios (e.g., ²H/¹H, ¹³C/¹²C, ¹⁵N/¹⁴N, ¹⁸O/¹⁶O and ³⁴S/³²S) in natural materials. These variations are driven by their distinct physical and chemical properties. Accurate isotope ratio measurements enable identification of element sources, their tracing in physicochemical processes, and system quantification. To measure these ratios, elements are converted into simple gases (H₂, CO₂, N₂, SO₂). Therefore, the laboratory devotes considerable effort to developing and improving sample preparation methods that guarantee accurate results.

Equipment

• Delta V Advantage, Finnigan Mat 251 and Geo 20-20 mass spectrometers, with the possibility of measuring isotope ratios in the traditional dual-inlet mode (i.e. by comparing the isotopic composition in the studied sample and in the standard IRMS dual inlet mode) and in continuous-flow mode (with the mass spectrometer connected “on line“ to a Fisons 1108 elemental analyzer or an EA Flash CNS for IRMS). This set-up enables rapid sample combustion, chromatographic separation of produced gases, their introduction into the mass spectrometer via a ConFlo open split, flash combustion-GC-IRMS).
• The laboratory has several pieces of equipment for converting samples into gases suitable for isotope measurements in the traditional dual-inlet mode. Standard methods include analyses of ¹³C and ¹⁸O in carbonate rocks, ²H and ¹⁸O in waters, ¹³C in all organic materials (solid, liquid and gaseous, in the case of gaseous mixtures with the possibility of chromatographic separation of components), ¹⁵N in organic materials as well as diluted components (NH₄₊, NO_3-), ¹⁸O in sulphates, and ³⁴S in sulphides and sulphates.
• The Liquid Water Isotope Analyzer 3000, LGR Inc. (LWIA) provides measurements of ²H and ¹⁸O of natural waters.

Sample Requirements

• All analyses must be consulted with the laboratory.
• The solid samples submitted must be pulverized to the required analytical fineness. Grinding and homogenization are available upon prior arrangement
• After analyses are performed, the samples are stored for only two months for possible control purposes. Unrequested samples are not returned.
• Discounts for bulk submissions might apply based on the analysis method, sample type, and quantity.