Carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) isotope analysis in plants, soil and animal tissues is a technique widely used in ecology, earth science, agricultural science and environmental science. By analyzing the abundance of stable isotopes (also known as delta values), researchers can reveal information such as material cycles, nutritional relationships, pollution sources, etc. in ecosystems.
Alfa Chemistry relies on a complete technical platform and a professional R&D team with global experimental analysis capabilities to provide you with C, N and S isotope analysis in plants, soils and animal tissues services for gases and carbonate rocks. We are committed to providing customers with accurate and fast analysis results and solving any research problems encountered by customers.
Stable Isotopes
Stable isotopes are isotopes that do not undergo radioactive decay. Common stable isotopes include:
| Element | Light isotopes | Heavy isotopes | Common symbols |
|---|
| C | 12C | 13C | δ13C |
| N | 14N | 15N | δ15N |
| S | 32S | 34S | δ34S |
Isotope Analysis in Plants
Isotope analysis in plants is an important research method used to reveal information such as physiological and ecological processes of plants, environmental changes, nutrient source tracking, and soil and water use. Isotopes in plants mainly include carbon isotopes, nitrogen isotopes, and sulfur isotopes.
- Carbon Isotope (δ13C) Analysis
Carbon isotope analysis helps reflect the type of photosynthesis (C3, C4, CAM plants), and can infer their photosynthesis type, food chain transmission, and paleoecological conditions.
- Nitrogen Isotope (δ15N) Analysis
Related to nitrogen sources (atmospheric fixation, mineral nitrogen, animal feces, etc.) and soil nitrogen cycle. High δ15N values may indicate nitrogen absorption from nitrogen-rich organic matter or animal feces. Nitrogen isotopes are often used to analyze nitrogen cycle processes in ecosystems and determine the nutrient sources of plants and animals and their position in the food chain. In the food chain, δ15N usually increases as the trophic level rises. Therefore, it can be used as a trophic level indicator.
- Sulfur Isotope (δ34S) Analysis
Reflects the source of sulfur (marine aerosol, rock weathering, fertilizer, etc.). Plants can absorb sulfur from different sources, resulting in different isotope compositions. Sulfur isotope analysis can be used to study the source of sulfur in the environment, sulfur cycle, and microbial metabolism. In some cases, sulfur isotopes can also help understand the interaction between soil and plants.
Isotope Analysis in Animal Tissues
Isotope analysis in animal tissues is an important research tool in many fields such as biology, ecology and environmental science. This analysis usually involves measuring the isotope ratios of different elements in animal tissues to infer the physiological state of animals, eating habits, migration patterns and changes in their environment. Animal tissues (such as hair, feathers, bones, muscles) reflect the isotopic composition of their food.
- Carbon Isotope (δ13C) Analysis
Can be used to identify the food source of animals (such as C3 and C4 plants), as well as the use of ecological niches. Reflects the carbon source in the food chain (C3 vs C4 plant-based food web). Can be used to track animal migration (δ13C differences in plants in different regions).
- Nitrogen Isotope (δ15N) Analysis
Increases as the food chain rises (enrichment of about 3–5‰ per level). Used to infer trophic levels and predator-prey relationships. Often used to study the position of animals in the food chain. Stable isotopes of nitrogen are nitrogen-14 (¹⁴N) and nitrogen-15 (15N), and their ratio can indicate the trophic level of the animal.
- Sulfur Isotope (δ34S) Analysis
Significantly affected by geographical location (e.g. freshwater vs marine food sources). Used for tracing and habitat determination.
Isotope Analysis in Soil
Isotope analysis in soil is an important scientific technique used to study the composition, origin, changes of soil and its interaction with the environment. By analyzing stable isotopes (such as oxygen-18, hydrogen-2, carbon-13, nitrogen-15, etc.) and radioactive isotopes in soil, important information about soil processes and ecosystems can be obtained.
- Carbon Isotope (δ13C) Analysis
Reflects vegetation succession (C3/C4 plant residues) and carbon input types. It can be used for historical reconstruction of land use changes.
- Nitrogen Isotope (δ15N) Analysis
Related to soil nitrogen cycle processes (such as nitrification, denitrification, nitrogen fixation, etc.). High δ15N is often associated with high mineralization rates or the application of organic fertilizers.
- Sulfur Isotope (δ34S) Analysis
Reflects the geological sources and biological processes of sulfur (such as sulfate reduction). It can be used to track pollution (such as industrial emissions, mine leachate).
Analysis Method
The most commonly used instrument is the stable isotope mass spectrometer (IRMS), used in conjunction with an elemental analyzer (EA) or a gas chromatograph (GC). Brief description of the analysis process:
1. Sample preparation
2. Elemental analysis (EA)
3. Mass spectrometry (IRMS)
4. Data calibration
Application Areas
- Ecological research: by analyzing the position of food chains and the nutritional relationships between animals.
- Archaeology: by analyzing the isotopic composition of ancient animals to infer their diet and migration patterns.
- Environmental monitoring: assessing the source and spread of pollutants in ecosystems.
- Agriculture: tracking the source of nutrients absorbed by crops and the efficiency of fertilizer use.
Our Service Capabilities
Isotope analysis usually requires high-precision instruments, such as mass spectrometers, combined with chemical extraction and sample preparation techniques to improve the accuracy of analytical results. Isotope analysis plays an important role in many fields, including soil science, environmental science, and ecology. Isotope analysis provides important information in animal tissue research, which can help scientists better understand the dynamics of ecosystems and the life history of animals. Future research may combine more advanced technologies to improve the accuracy and application range of isotope analysis.
Alfa Chemistry is always happy to assist you set up a follow-up mechanism and interpreting results, particularly if they are unexpected.
Please kindly note that our products and services are for research use only.
