In:
Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry, Wiley, Vol. 30, No. 15 ( 2016-08-15), p. 1743-1753
Abstract:
Information about the sulfur stable isotope composition (δ 34 S value) of organic materials and sediments, in addition to their nitrogen (δ 15 N value) and carbon (δ 13 C value) stable isotope compositions, can provide insights into mechanisms and processes in different areas of biological and geological research. The quantification of δ 34 S values has traditionally required an additional and often more difficult analytical procedure than NC dual analysis. Here, we report on the development of a high‐throughput method that simultaneously measures the elemental and isotopic compositions of N, C and S in a single sample, and over a wide range of sample sizes and C/N and C/S ratios. Methods We tested a commercially available CHNOS elemental analyzer in line with an isotope ratio mass spectrometer for the simultaneous quantification of N, C and S stable isotope ratios and contents, and modified the elemental analyzer in order to overcome the interference of 18 O in δ 34 S values, to minimize any water condensation that could also influence S memory, and to achieve the complete reduction of nitrogen oxides to N 2 gas for accurate measurement of δ 15 N values. A selection of organic materials and soils was analyzed with a ratio of 1:1.4 standards to unknowns per run. Results The modifications allowed high quality measurements for N, C and S isotope ratios simultaneously (1 SD of ±0.13‰ for δ 15 N value, ±0.12‰ for δ 13 C value, and ±0.4‰ for δ 34 S value), with high throughput ( 〉 75 unknowns per run) and over a wide range of element amount per capsule (25 to 500 μg N, 200–4000 μg C, and 8–120 μg S). Conclusions This method is suitable for widespread use and can significantly enhance the application of δ 34 S measurements in a broad range of soils and organic samples in ecological and biogeochemical research. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0951-4198
,
1097-0231
Language:
English
Publisher:
Wiley
Publication Date:
2016
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2002158-6
detail.hit.zdb_id:
58731-X
SSG:
11
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