Stable isotope analysis of geological, biological, archeological and water samples
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.
- Agriculture, animal science and food
- Energy (renewable and fossil)
- Environmental technologies and related services
- Fisheries and aquaculture
- Forestry and forest-based industries
Specialized Labs and Equipment
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Name of equipment in use |
Description of function |
|
Delta V Plus (x2) |
Isotope ratio mass spectrometer |
|
Elemental analyzer (x2) |
C and N isotopes and % composition (solid samples) |
|
Total Inorganic Carbon/Organic Carbon analyzer |
C isotopes and % C (aqueous samples) |
|
GasBench |
C and O isotopes of carbonates |
|
Thermal Conversion Elemental analyzer |
O isotopes of silver phosphate |
|
Gas chromatograph |
Compound specific isotope analysis of hydrocarbons, fatty acids and amino acids |
|
Quadrupole mass spectrometer |
Identification and quantification of organic compounds |
|
Gas Chromatograph with fraction collector |
Isolation of individual compounds |
|
Gas Chromatograph with flame ionization detector and thermal conductivity detector |
Quantification of permanent gases in gas samples |
|
Gas Chromatograph with flame ionization detector and electron capture detector |
Quantification of organic compounds in solid/liquid samples |
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 |
|
Neville, V., Rose, G. A., Rowe, S., Jamieson, R. and Piercey, G. (2018). Otolith chemistry and redistributions of northern cod: evidence of Smith Sound-Bonavista Corridor connectivity. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, (ja). |
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Philben, M., Billings, S., Edwards, K., Podrebarac, F., van Biesen, G. and Ziegler, S. (2018) Amino acid δ15N indicates lack of N isotope fractionation during soil organic nitrogen decomposition. Biogeochemistry, 138: 69. |