Analysis
Research
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Stable Isotopes of C and N: Isotope Ratio Massa Spectrometrie (IRMS)
This techniques makes it possible to measure very precisely the content of different stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes in
biological samples (hair, plants, fish, etc.). Results can be used to draw conclusions about the position of plants and
animals in a foodweb. As organisms are placed higher in a foodweb, the d15N value will higher. Plants therefore have the
lowest d15N ratio's, the highest values for d15N are found in carnivorous animals. The d13C content depends on the
basic foodsource of an organism. Organisms that feed on one type of food only have more or less the same d13C content
as their foodsource.
This techniques makes it possible to measure very precisely the content of different stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes in
biological samples (hair, plants, fish, etc.). Results can be used to draw conclusions about the position of plants and
animals in a foodweb. As organisms are placed higher in a foodweb, the d15N value will higher. Plants therefore have the
lowest d15N ratio's, the highest values for d15N are found in carnivorous animals. The d13C content depends on the
basic foodsource of an organism. Organisms that feed on one type of food only have more or less the same d13C content
as their foodsource.
Concentrations of Elements: Inductive Coupled Plasma Optical Spectrometrie (ICP-OS)
The ICP-OS is a technique for elemental analysis of macro-ions. Less sensitive than the ICP-MS it is a good and cheaper
alternative for measurement of elements that are abundant and whose concentrations have to be measured in parts per
milion (ppm) rather than ppb.
The ICP-OS is a technique for elemental analysis of macro-ions. Less sensitive than the ICP-MS it is a good and cheaper
alternative for measurement of elements that are abundant and whose concentrations have to be measured in parts per
milion (ppm) rather than ppb.
In co-operation with the Department of General Instruments (Laboratory of the Faculty of Natural Sciences of Radboud
University Nijmegen).
University Nijmegen).
How does it work?
An argon plasma gas is obtained by allowing a free flowing stream of argon into a torch with a high frequency current flows
in an induction coil with varying magnetic fields. The plasma has temperatures more than 10,000 K. A liquid sample is
introduced into the system as an aerosol by nebulization. Once the sample hits the plasma, ions from the sample are
excited and spontaneously revert to a lower energy state and emit a photon of energy. For quantitative purposes, it is
assumed that the emitted energy is proportional to the concentration of ions.
source: http://www.si.edu/mci/english/about_mci/facilities/index.html
An argon plasma gas is obtained by allowing a free flowing stream of argon into a torch with a high frequency current flows
in an induction coil with varying magnetic fields. The plasma has temperatures more than 10,000 K. A liquid sample is
introduced into the system as an aerosol by nebulization. Once the sample hits the plasma, ions from the sample are
excited and spontaneously revert to a lower energy state and emit a photon of energy. For quantitative purposes, it is
assumed that the emitted energy is proportional to the concentration of ions.
source: http://www.si.edu/mci/english/about_mci/facilities/index.html
Measuring elements: ICP-MS
What is it?
Method used to obtain detailed information on the composition of organic and inorganic samples. Using this method, over
72 elements can be traced.
What is it?
Method used to obtain detailed information on the composition of organic and inorganic samples. Using this method, over
72 elements can be traced.
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