Research support, training, student education, stable isotope analysis services
The Stable Isotope Lab has over 30 years of experience in the bulk isotope analysis of geological, biological and archeological samples. Over the past few years, compound specific isotope analysis (hydrocarbons, fatty acids, amino acids) has become an increasingly important part of our daily activities. We work closely with professors in various departments and their students to analyze their samples, and develop new methods, or modify existing methods, as needed. To maintain the highest accuracy, we calibrate our results with a suite of international isotope standards and/or in-house standards that are analyzed alongside the samples.
The Stable Isotope Lab is an analytical facility that accepts prepared samples for direct analysis. Depending on the sample type, some sample processing is possible.
- Education
- Energy
- Environmental technologies and related services
- Fisheries and aquaculture
- Forestry and forest-based industries
- Mining, minerals and metals
- Ocean industries
Specialized labs and equipment
|
Equipment |
Function |
|---|---|
|
ThermoElectron Delta V Plus Gas Source IRMS (I) |
Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer (IRMS) interfaced with a ThermoElectron Gas Bench II for carbonate/DIC analysis (CO2: δ13C, δ18O), a Carlo Erba NA1500 Series II Elemental Analyzer for bulk analysis of solid materials (N2: δ15N, %N; CO2: δ13C, %C) and an OI Analytical Aurora 1030 TOC Analyzer for TIC/TOC analysis of water (CO2: δ13C, %C). |
|
ThermoElectron Delta V Plus Gas Source IRMS (II) |
Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer (IRMS) interfaced with an Agilent 6890N Gas Chromatograph for compound-specific carbon and hydrogen isotope ratio analysis (δ13C, δ2H) and a ThermoScientific TC/EA High Temperature Conversion Elemental Analyzer for bulk oxygen and hydrogen isotope ratio analysis (δ18O, δ2H) of solids and water. Dual inlet allows for direct measurement of prepared gas samples (N2: δ15N; CO2: δ13C, δ18O; H2: δ2H). |
|
Carlo Erba NA1500 Series II Elemental Analyzer |
An oxidation/reduction preparation system (elemental analyzer) with the Delta V Plus I for analysis of N2 (δ15N, %N) and/or CO2 (δ13C, %C). Used for bulk analysis of solid samples. |
|
ThermoElectron Gas Bench II |
An on-line preparation system interfaced with the Delta V Plus I for analyzing CO2 (δ13C, δ18O) derived from carbonates using acid digestion and DIC in water. |
|
OI Analytical Aurora 1030 TOC Analyzer |
Analyzes natural water samples for inorganic carbon (TIC/DIC) and organic carbon (TOC/DOC) content (% C) using a wet chemical oxidation process to extract carbon as CO2 gas. Interfaced with the Delta V Plus I for simultaneous isotope ratio analysis of inorganic and organic carbon (δ13C). |
|
Agilent 6890N Gas Chromatograph |
Interfaced with the Delta V Plus (II) (ThermoElectron GC-C/TC-III interface) for determination of carbon isotope ratios (δ13C) of individual compounds using a GC-combustion interface (GC-C-IRMS). Configured for analysis of CH4, CO, CO2 and C1-C6 hydrocarbons in gaseous samples, FAMEs and heavier hydrocarbons. For determination of hydrogen isotope ratios (δ2H) of individual compounds, a high temperature conversion interface option (GC-TC-IRMS) is used. Configured for analysis of CH4, H2 and C1-C6 hydrocarbons in gaseous samples, FAMEs and heavier hydrocarbons. |
|
Thermo Scientific High Temperature Conversion Elemental Analyzer (TC/EA) |
Interfaced to the Delta V Plus (II) for determination of hydrogen and oxygen isotope ratios (δ2H, δ18O) of solid samples and water. For solid samples, the elemental composition (%H, %O) can also be determined. |
|
Agilent 5975C Mass Selective Detector (MSD) |
Interfaced to the Agilent 6890N GC, this detector allows for identification of compounds via comparison of their mass spectra to entries in a database. |
|
Agilent 6890A Gas Chromatograph (A) |
For qualitative/quantitative analysis, served by a Gerstel MPS Autosampler for liquid and headspace analysis, and has a split/splitless detector. Has a flame-ionization detector and an electron-capture detector and is used for liquid (e.g. FAMEs) and gas (e.g. N2 O) samples, and a Gerstel Preparative Fraction Collector used to isolate compounds for subsequent additional analysis, such as nucelar magnetic resonance (NMR) or acceleration mass spectrometry for 14C. |
|
Agilent 6890A GC (B) |
For qualitative/quantitative analysis, served by a Gerstel multipurpose MPS Autosampler for liquid and headspace analysis, and has a split/splitless detector. Used for the analysis of permanent gases. Has a thermal-conductivity detector and a flame-ionization detector in series and is used mainly for CO2 and CH4. |
Private and public sector research partners
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada
- University of Kansas
- Université du Québec à Montréal
- McMaster University
- Dalhousie University
Additional information
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Title |
URL |
|---|---|
|
Otolith chemistry and redistributions of northern cod: evidence of Smith Sound-Bonavista Corridor connectivity. |
|
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Amino acid δ15N indicates lack of N isotope fractionation during soil organic nitrogen decomposition. |