Carbon and Nitrogen Analysis of Solids by EA-IRMS
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Sample types
SIRFER provides measurement of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) isotope ratios of organic and inorganic solid materials using an isotope ratio mass spectrometer (IRMS) coupled to an elemental analyzer (EA), operated in continuous flow (CF) mode. Sample preparation Materials analyzed using this method need some form of preparation before shipping to SIRFER. In the case of solid organic materials such as plant parts or soils, the samples must be dried and ground (<40 mesh). SIRFER will grind samples upon request for a nominal fee. SIRFER will accept bulk or pre-weighed solid samples for isotope composition. If you choose to submit bulk samples, the samples should arrive at SIRFER dried and ground (<40 mesh). SIRFER technicians will then weigh the samples into the appropriate capsule. Samples are routinely weighed to 1 µg before analysis. For δ13C and δ15N analysis of solid samples, a 0.2-20 mg aliquot of the sample is accurately weighed into a tin capsule. If the samples are not weighed immediately, the samples are placed into a dry storage cabinet. Note on the submission of pre-weighed samples: because of instrument linearity issues, the elemental composition of the sample dictates the amount of sample weighed into either tin or silver capsules. Before submitting pre-weighed samples, contact the SIRFER laboratory manager for information on the appropriate weight. For carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis samples can be weighed in small, medium or large tin capsules (part no 041060, 041070, and 041073 respectively from Costech Analytical). Samples should be shipped to SIRFER as described here. A request for analysis and sample ID list should be emailed to us at the time of shipping. Special samples SIRFER is an approved lab that can receive and process soils regulated by the USDA and APHIS PPQ. Because of specific handling and treatment requirements for regulated soils (both domestic and foreign) of the USDA, before shipping of any soils to SIRFER please contact SIRFER manager (sirfer@utah.edu). SIRFER has also acquired permit from USDA to receive and process foreign plant samples. For foreign plant samples please contact SIRFER manager (sirfer@utah.edu). Clients who wish to submit isotopically enriched samples must contact the SIRFER manager (sirfer@utah.edu) prior to submitting samples. This email must provide information on the sample type, analytical services requested, the isotopic label used, and the estimated level of label present in the sample. Instrumentation Finnigan Mat Delta+ Advantage or Finnigan Mat Delta+ IRMS Carlo Erba CHN EA1110 ThermoFinnigan Conflo III |