Automatic Analysis of δ13C-DIC in water using a GasPrep IRMS system. Comparison with manual injection and perspective towards simultaneous DIC quantification

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingMeeting abstract (Book)

Abstract

The carbon stable isotope ratio of dissolved inorganic carbon (δ13C-DIC) can provide valuable informations on biogeochemical carbon cycles in natural aqueous environments. In most cases, water samples are stored in air free tubes, flushed with a small volume of He headspace and acidified to convert DIC to CO2 gas. The analyses of the C isotopes in the headspace CO2 is then performed by Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS). Different headspace gas injection and preparation systems (separation of CO2 from interfering H2O and N2 gasses) can be used prior to IRMS analyses: off-line vacuum extraction of CO2, direct manual injection of headspace gas through the GC column of an Elemental Analyser coupled to the IRMS, or automatic gas sampling systems (GasPrep by Nu Instruments, GasBench by Thermo). The aim of this study was to compare two different headspace injection-IRMS systems to determine the isotopic ratio of C in DIC: a manual injection in an elemental analyzer (Flash EA 1112, Thermo) coupled to an IRMS (Delta V plus - Thermo Finnigan) and an automatic gas sampler (GasPrep, Nu Instruments) coupled to an IRMS (Nu Perspective, Nu Instruments). Results show that the automation of the injection in the second configuration significantly provides better accuracy and better reproducibility, and reduces handling time. In addition, the use of an automatic gas sampler provides a new opening in the DIC analysis: simultaneous determination of δ13C-DIC and DIC amount in the sample.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationBASIS 2014 meeting, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
Subtitle of host publication27-28/03/2014
Number of pages1
Publication statusPublished - 2014
EventBasis (Benelux Assosiation of Stable Isotopes Scientists) 2014 meeting - Nijmegen, Netherlands
Duration: 27 Mar 201428 Mar 2014

Conference

ConferenceBasis (Benelux Assosiation of Stable Isotopes Scientists) 2014 meeting
Country/TerritoryNetherlands
CityNijmegen
Period27/03/1428/03/14

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