The Laboratory of Stable Isotopes is equipped with a Mass Spectrometry system supplied by Thermo Fisher Scientific to measure 13C/12C, 15N/14N, 18O/16O, 34S/32S and 2H/1H isotope ratios in, solid, organic and inorganic samples. It also has a Picarro L2130-i laser spectrometer for 2H/1H and 18O/16O measurements in water samples, as well as a Gasbench II system (Thermo Scientific) for measuring 18O/16O and 13C/12C isotopes in carbonates and in liquid samples after equilibration. Finally, we have a continuous flow mass spectrometry system (GC-MS-IRMS) for the automated measurement of carbon, nitrogen and hydrogen isotope ratios in specific compounds, a technique that we are currently developing.
In addition, we have all the necessary equipment for sample preparation, such as: centrifuge, ultra-precision scales, shakers, desiccator, ultrasonic bath, ball mill, oven, freeze dryer, etc.
Isotopic ratios of natural materials provide information about their origin. Stable isotopes are non-radioactive atoms of a given chemical element that have the same number of protons but differ in the number of protons. Various biogeochemical processes give rise to spatiotemporal variations in isotopic concentrations at basal trophic levels. In turn, these differences are transmitted along trophic chains in a predictable manner. Therefore, isotopic approximations are a particularly useful tool for tracing the flow of matter and energy in natural ecosystems.
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To contact our laboratory you can write directly to lie@ebd.csic.es and we will indicate how to request our services.