Stable Isotopes

Our facility hosts four systems for isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) with which we can cover many of typical applications in bulk stable isotope analysis (BSIA) and compound-specific isotope analysis (CSIA) as well as four GC/MS devices for concentration measurements and method development. Typical applications include the identification of pollutant (bio)degradation from the evaluation of stable isotope fractionation and source apportionment based on isotopic fingerprints.

Two GC/IRMS devices, one coupled to a quadrupole mass spectrometer allow for C, H, N, and O isotope analysis in analytes amenable to gas chromatography. These devices are compatible with several analyte enrichment approaches including solid-phase microextraction (SPME and SPME arrow) and purge&trap devices. Alternatively, a large volume injection (LVI) with programmed temperature vaporization (PTV), cryo-focusing unit and thermal desorption unit is available.

One multi-purpose IRMS system can be run in LC/IRMS mode for C isotope analysis of polar compounds or, alternatively be used with a traditional dual-inlet system. An EA/IRMS for bulk stable isotope analysis allows measurement of C, H, N, O, and S isotope ratios. The GC/MS devices are equipped with autosamplers for gas and liquid sample injections as well as standard single-quadrupole or ion trap mass spectrometers.

Measurement portfolio

CSIA is applied with (semi)volatile analytes amenable to gas chromatography, specifically small organic molecules and gases (e.g., O2). Typical sample matrices are aqueous and organic solutions (incl. sediment and soil extracts), and gaseous samples.

BSIA can be performed with solid and liquid specimen, typically sediment and soil samples as well as compounds/salts from dedicated sample preparation procedures or pure chemicals for referencing purposes.