Stable carbon isotope analyses of nanogram quantities of particulate organic carbon (pollen) with laser ablation nano combustion gas chromatography/isotope ratio mass spectrometry.

ABSTRACT:

Rationale

Analyses of stable carbon isotope ratios (δ¹³ C values) of organic and inorganic matter remains have been instrumental for much of our understanding of present and past environmental and biological processes. Until recently, the analytical window of such analyses has been limited to samples containing at least several μg of carbon.

Methods

Here we present a setup combining laser ablation, nano combustion gas chromatography and isotope ratio mass spectrometry (LA/nC/GC/IRMS). A deep UV (193 nm) laser is used for optimal fragmentation of organic matter with minimum fractionation effects and an exceptionally small ablation chamber and combustion oven are used to reduce the minimum sample mass requirement compared with previous studies.

Results

Analys

SUBMITTER: van Roij L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5132107 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature