Carbon and nitrogen isotope analytics

The ThermoFisher Delta-V Mass Spectrometer has been purchased in 2015 for carbon and nitrogen isotope analytics of sediment, soil and organic matter samples. This method is mainly employed for ecological research questions in the terrestrial Arctic realm (Canada, Alaska, Siberia).

The ThermoFisher Delta-V Mass Spectrometer comprises a ConFlo IV gas mixing system and a Flash EA 2000 Autosampler and Elemental Analyzer for the measurement of stable C and N isotope composition. For this method, sediment and organic matter samples are weighed in Zn capsules (according to their respective C or N content) and combusted quantitatively at high temperatures around 1000°C under excess O₂ supply. By means of a continuous Helium carrier gas flow, the gaseous samples are directed to the ThermoFisher Delta-V Mass Spectrometer and measured for carbon and nitrogen isotope composition (δ¹³C und δ¹⁵N).

A gas bench with a carbonate option is used to analyse the carbon and oxygen isotope composition of carbonates in dissolved inorganic (DIC) and particulate carbonate samples using the same mass spectrometer.