Determination of δ13C, δ15N, or δ34S by isotope-ratio-monitoring mass spectrometry using an elemental analyzer

Craig A. Johnson; Craig A. Stricker; Cayce A. Gulbransen; Matthew P. Emmons

doi:10.3133/tm5D4

Determination of δ¹³C, δ¹⁵N, or δ³⁴S by isotope-ratio-monitoring mass spectrometry using an elemental analyzer

Techniques and Methods 5-D4

By: Craig A. Johnson, Craig A. Stricker, Cayce A. Gulbransen, and Matthew P. Emmons

https://doi.org/10.3133/tm5D4

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Document: Report (1.18 MB pdf)
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Abstract

This report describes procedures used in the Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center of the U.S. Geological Survey in Denver, Colorado, to determine the stable-isotope ratios ¹³C/¹²C, ¹⁵N/¹⁴N, and ³⁴S/³²S in solid materials. The procedures use elemental analyzers connected directly to gas-source isotope-ratio mass spectrometers. A different elemental–analyzer–mass-spectrometer system is used for ¹³C/¹²C and ¹⁵N/¹⁴N than is used for ³⁴S/³²S to accommodate differences in reagents, catalysts, and instrument settings.

Suggested Citation

Johnson, C.A., Stricker, C.A., Gulbransen, C.A., and Emmons, M.P., 2018, Determination of δ¹³C, δ¹⁵N, or δ³⁴S by isotope-ratio-monitoring mass spectrometry using an elemental analyzer: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques and Methods, book 5, chap. D4, 19 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/tm5D4.

ISSN: 2328-7055 (online)

Abstract
Method Summary
Reporting Units and Operational Range
Supplies, Instrumentation, and Reagents
Sample Containers, Preparation, and Analysis
Data Acquisition, Evaluation, Processing, Quality Control, and Quality Assurance
Data Management and Records
Safety Precautions
Waste Disposal
Revision History
References Cited
Appendix 1. Precipitation of Aqueous Sulfate as Barium Sulfate (BaSO₄) for Determination of δ³⁴S
Appendix 2. Removal of Carbonate Carbon from Sedimentary Rocks Prior to Determination of δ¹³C of Total Organic Carbon
Appendix 3. Removal of Carbonate Carbon from Soils Prior to Determination of δ¹³C of Total Organic Carbon
Appendix 4. Extraction of Acid-Volatile Sulfur and Chromium-Reducible Sulfur from Sediments and Sedimentary Rocks for Determination of δ³⁴S
Appendix 5. Procedure for Cleaning Feathers, Fur, and Hair Prior to Determination of δ¹³C, δ¹⁵N, or δ³⁴S

Additional publication details
Publication type	Report
Publication Subtype	USGS Numbered Series
Title	Determination of δ13C, δ15N, or δ34S by isotope-ratio-monitoring mass spectrometry using an elemental analyzer
Series title	Techniques and Methods
Series number	5-D4
DOI	10.3133/tm5D4
Year Published	2018
Language	English
Publisher	U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location	Reston, VA
Contributing office(s)	Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center
Description	vi, 20 p.
Larger Work Type	Report
Larger Work Subtype	USGS Numbered Series
Larger Work Title	Section D: Geologic analysis in Book 5: Laboratory analysis
Public Comments	This report is Chapter 4 of Section D: Geologic analysis in Book 5: Laboratory analysis.
Online Only (Y/N)	Y
Google Analytic Metrics	Metrics page