Below is a list of analytical services offered by ASIL. For quotes, submission protocols, submission forms, or other questions, contact Dr. Joe Lambert.
Carbonate (δ13C, δ18O)
Analysis of δ13C and δ18O in carbonate comprises the majority of the work performed in our lab. Carbonate powders (50-100 μg) are weighed into 4.5 mL exetainers for analysis with a Gas Bench II connected via continuous flow to either of the two mass spectrometers.
Samples are standardized against NBS-19 and/or IAEA-603, and compared with an intra-lab standard derived from local Sylacauga marble.
Costs for these analyses typically range between $10-15 per sample-ready replicate depending on the number, urgency, and source of the samples. Additional preparation may be available for an increased fee.
Water isotopes (δ18O, δD)
We typically measure oxygen isotopes via analyses of CO2 gas equilibrated with (~0.5 mL) liquid water in exetainers on the GasBench II connected via continuous flow to either mass spectrometer.
We typically measure hydrogen isotopes via analyses of H2 gas equilibrated with (~0.2 mL) liquid water in exetainers on the GasBench II connected via continuous flow to either mass spectrometer.
Samples are standardized using internal lab standards that are calibrated against SLAP and SMOW.
Solid organic matter (δ13C, δ15N, δ18O, TOC)
We analyze solid organic matter via combustion on an elemental analyzer connected via continuous flow to the Delta V Plus mass spectrometer. We use the EA for nitrogen and carbon isotopic composition and while the TC/EA can provide the capability of measuring oxygen isotopic composition as well, at the cost of carbon isotopic measurement.
A selection of internationally recognized standards are available based on the sample type and expected isotopic composition.
Dissolved inorganic carbon (δ13C, [DIC])
We analyze the carbon isotope values of dissolved inorganic carbon by acidifying 0.7 mL of sterile water in an extetainer on the GasBench II, and analyzing the evolved CO2 gas via either mass spectrometer.
Carbon dioxide gas (δ13C, [CO2])
We have developed a method to analyze can analyze atmospheric CO2 concentration and carbon isotopic values.