We are now accepting samples for C/N Isotopes in Solids and C/O Isotopes in Carbonates.   Please contact cais@uga.edu for additional information about sample submissions.

METHOD SUMMARY

Isotope-ratio analysis for δ15N and δ13C and elemental analysis of C & N in solid samples starts with transformation to gas phase by extremely rapid and complete flash combustion of the sample material using a Flash 2000 or Carlo Erba NA2500 Elemental Analyzer coupled to a Thermo Delta V-IRMS. Ionized combustion product is mass-analyzed by measuring differing mass/charge ratios among the various isotopic species of N2 and CO2. We can analyze most ecological sample types (animal and plant tissue, soils, sediments, etc.) for carbon and nitrogen. For archaeological materials requiring pretreatment or collagen extraction, see STABLE ISOTOPES FOR ARCHAEOLOGY AND PALEONTOLOGY.

SAMPLE SCOPE

Solid samples must be dried, ground, and weighed (~3 mg, with μg digits significant) into 9 x 5 mm tin capsules before combustion. Poor precision can often be traced to inadequate grinding that leaves fibrous matter or visible granules in the sample. Clients may send us unprocessed samples or may provide any of the above processing themselves at a major reduction in price. 

ANALYTICAL FEES