LIAISON: A Novel High-Throughput Universal Interface for 13C High-Precision Isotope Analysis using Cavity Ring-Down Spectroscopy
Abstract
We have developed a universal interface, named LIAISON, capable of coupling to almost any CO2-generating sample preparation front-ends ranging from an elemental analyzer to any dissolved carbon analysis module, which are of significant use in geochemical and biogeochemical studies. In this specific application, we have coupled LIAISON to an elemental analyzer (EA) and to a cavity ring-down spectrometer (CRDS) for 13C isotopic analysis of bulk samples. LIAISON is suited for handling a high-throughput sample analysis process by running three different gas handling operations in parallel: Admitting combustion gas from the EA into a first gas bag, analyzing the previous sample collected into a second gas bag with CRDS, and flushing and purging a third gas bag in preparation for the upcoming sample collection operation. The sample-to-sample analysis time is 10 minutes and the operation is completely automated for an auto-sampler tray capacity, requiring no operator intervention. The CRDS data is collected, tabulated and saved into an output text file. The memory effect between the L-Glutamic acid standard (USGS 40) at natural abundance and the moderately enriched L-Glutamic acid standard (USGS 41, δ13C ~37 ‰) is excluded by the selection of the adequate number and duration of flush and purge cycles of the gas sample bags. The system achieved a typical precision equivalent to 0.35 ‰ (1 sigma), including the 13C-enriched samples. The EA-LIAISON-CRDS system presented here provides a fully automated solution for 13C bulk stable isotope analysis with unprecedented ease-of-use, and possible field portability with the availability of a compact EA. In addition, LIAISON’s universality enables CRDS to supplant IRMS in many continuous flow isotopic analysis applications, both 13C and other stable isotopes, currently employing sample preparation modules in tandem with IRMS.
- Publication:
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AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2009
- Bibcode:
- 2009AGUFM.V34B..08R
- Keywords:
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- 0454 BIOGEOSCIENCES / Isotopic composition and chemistry;
- 1041 GEOCHEMISTRY / Stable isotope geochemistry;
- 1895 HYDROLOGY / Instruments and techniques: monitoring;
- 3694 MINERALOGY AND PETROLOGY / Instruments and techniques