Carbon (C) and oxygen (O) isotope analysis in gases and carbonates is an important technical means widely used in the fields of geochemistry, environmental science, paleoclimatology, oil exploration, geological age analysis, etc. This analysis can reveal key information such as the origin, formation conditions, and evolution history of the material.
Carbon and oxygen isotope analysis in gases and carbonates is an important research method in the fields of earth science, environmental science, and archaeology. This analysis can provide information about the earth system, climate change, paleoenvironment, and biological processes. The following are some basic concepts and applications of carbon and oxygen isotope analysis in gases and carbonates.
Alfa Chemistry relies on a complete technical platform and a professional R&D team with global experimental analysis capabilities to provide you with carbon and oxygen isotope analysis and testing 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.
Alfa Chemistry's Carbon and Oxygen Isotope Analysis Services Program
Alfa Chemistry is a professional company that provides diversified analytical testing services. Its isotope analysis services are widely used in many fields such as environment, earth science, materials, food, and pharmaceuticals. We provide high-precision analysis services for stable isotopes of carbon and oxygen (13C/12C and 18O/16O) in gas and carbonate samples, including the following:
Analyzable Sample Types
| Gas samples | Carbonate minerals |
|---|
| Carbon dioxide (CO₂) | Calcite, dolomite, siderite, magnesite |
| Methane (CH₄) | Carbonate components in sediments |
| Carbon monoxide (CO) | Fossil carbonates |
| Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) containing carbon | Experimentally synthesized carbonates |
| Atmospheric, volcanic or soil gases | |
Isotope Measure Types
- δ13C (carbon isotope ratio, VPDB standard)
- δ18O (oxygen isotope ratio, VPDB or VSMOW)
- Report content
Sample Preparation Method
- δ13C and/or δ18O isotope ratio (‰)
- Analytical error range (usually ±0.1‰ or better)
- Reference to standard (NBS19, IAEA CO-1)
Alfa Chemistry's Isotope Testing Platform Equipment
Alfa Chemistry has an advanced isotope analysis platform and uses experimental instruments from international mainstream brands to ensure high precision and high repeatability. Commonly used equipment includes:
- Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer (IRMS)
Suitable for gas sample and carbonate analysis, equipped with element analyzer (EA) or gas injection system.
Used to burn solid samples (such as carbonates) to produce CO2 for IRMS analysis. Combined with IRMS, it can realize automated analysis.
- Gas Injection System (GasBench II)
Specially used for online processing of CO₂ released from gas samples or carbonates. Precisely control temperature and vacuum conditions to improve the stability of isotope measurement
- Automated Sample Processing System
Precisely control reagent addition (such as phosphoric acid decomposition of carbonates) to prevent cross contamination and improve data reliability.
Alfa Chemistry's Service Capabilities
| Capabilities | Description |
|---|
| High precision | Isotope accuracy is usually better than ±0.1‰, meeting the needs of scientific research and industry |
| Strong sample adaptability | Can handle a variety of sample forms such as gas, solid, liquid, etc. |
| Fast delivery | Standard sample analysis, emergency service can speed up processing |
| Customized service | Sample pre-treatment process and analysis report content can be customized according to research purposes |
| Technical support | Provide one-to-one scientific consulting services to assist in data interpretation and experimental design |
| Strict quality control | Use international standard substances for quality control to ensure data reliability |
Carbon Isotopes
Oxygen Isotopes
Application Examples
- Paleoclimate reconstruction
δ18O reflects the temperature and ice volume of ancient water bodies
δ13C can reflect biological productivity and carbon cycle status - Oil and gas exploration
δ13C values distinguish the sources of pyrolysis gas, biogas or hydrothermal gas - Carbonate genesis research
δ13C and δ18O can be combined to determine the carbonate deposition environment (marine, continental, water temperature) - Geological chronology
Combined with uranium series dating (such as U-Th), it provides sedimentary history background
Typical δ Value Range
| Product type | δ13C (‰, VPDB) | δ18O (‰, VPDB/VSMOW) |
|---|
| Marine carbonates | -2 ~ +4 | -2 ~ +2 |
| Organic carbon | -30 ~ -20 | — |
| Atmospheric CO₂ | ~ -8 | ~ 0 |
| Hydrothermal carbonates | -10 ~ +5 | -20 ~ +10 |
| Sedimentary hydrocarbons | -5 ~ +5 | -10 ~ +5 |
Notes
- The sample must be free of contamination, especially gas samples.
- The analysis environment must be kept in vacuum and at a stable temperature.
- The interpretation of δ values must be combined with geological background and other isotope data (such as Sr and Nd).
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.
