Stable Isotope Testing

Stable Isotope Testing

Molecules containing stable isotopes have the same chemical properties as normal molecules but differ somewhat in their physical properties. The number of stable isotopes in soil changes with a series of physicochemical changes. The detection of stable isotope content is important for the study of environmental changes, plant growth, elemental metabolism, and soil analysis.

Lifeasible can accurately measure the relative abundance of stable isotopes in a given sample, which is an integral part of isotope separation, isotope applications, and research. We offer a complete platform to support you in stable isotope analysis in soil samples. This relatively simple but very powerful and widely used technical service can bring a deeper understanding of soil analysis.

Stable Isotope Testing

Lifeasible relies on advanced instrumentation and proven systems for stable isotope (e.g., 13C, 15N, 18O, 2H, 34S, etc.) and its elemental content testing services. We have IRMS (isotope ratio mass spectrometry), elemental analyzers, gas chromatography, and other peripheral equipment to automatically and continuously analyze soil samples for carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, oxygen, or sulfur isotope ratios and their elemental contents. We are also equipped with several sets of auxiliary equipment such as a vacuum extraction system for soil sample moisture, microelectronic balance, and cellulose extraction system to meet your needs for major pretreatment of samples for stable isotope ratio analysis.

Testing index

  • δD
  • δ13C, δ12C
  • δ18O,δ16O,δ17O
  • δ15N,δ14N
  • δ34S

Detection methods

  • Mass spectrometry

It is the most versatile and accurate method of stable isotope analysis and can be used for stable isotope analysis of almost all elements. This method allows the determination of the chemical formula of the analyzed sample (e.g., labeled compounds) based on the mass determination, and thus the analysis of the composition and structure of the substance. Moreover, we add a gas chromatography unit to the sample introduction section to form a chromatography-mass spectrometry coupler, which allows a more direct analysis of complex mixture samples.

  • Nuclear magnetic resonance method

It is another important method for stable isotope analysis. When the magnetic field strength is constant, the isotopes on different groups in the organism sample can be detected according to the RF electric field frequency at the resonance, and the content can be determined according to the peak height. However, due to its low measurement sensitivity, we do not recommend you to specify this method for quantitative analysis.

  • Spectroscopic method

The deuterium content in hydrogen compounds can be determined by using the spectral line shifts caused by the isotopic substitution in infrared vibrational spectroscopy. Atomic absorption and emission spectroscopy can be used for the analysis of isotopes such as nitrogen, and even for the determination of uranium-235 concentration with moderate precision. For isotopes with large mass numbers, the application is somewhat limited due to their small shift values.

  • Gas chromatography

It can be used for the isotopic analysis of hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen, etc. It is a simple and easy analytical method.

  • Neutron activation analysis

It is an effective analysis method for stable isotopes.

If you need stable isotope analysis in soil samples, then Lifeasible is your reliable partner, our team will perform professionally to meet all your analytical needs, contact our staff to see how we can customize the best solution for you.

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