Isotopic Analysis

Edited by two very well-known and respected scientists in the field, this excellent practical guide is the first to cover the fundamentals and a wide range of applications, as well as showing readers how to efficiently use this increasingly important technique. From the contents: * The Isotopic Composition of the Elements * Single-Collector ICP-MS * Multi-Collector ICP-MS * Advances in Laser Ablation - Multi-Collector ICP-MS * Correction for Instrumental Mass Discrimination in Isotope Ratio Determination with Multi-Collector ICP-MS * Reference Materials in Isotopic Analysis * Quality Control in Isotope Ratio Applications * Determination of Trace Elements and Elemental Species Using Isotope Dilution ICP-MS * Geochronological Dating * Application of Multi-Collector ICP-MS to Isotopic Analysis in Cosmochemistry * Establishing the Basis for Using Stable Isotope Ratios of Metals as Paleoredox Proxies * Isotopes as Tracers of Elements Across the Geosphere-Biosphere Interface * Archaeometric Applications * Forensics Applications * Nuclear Applications * The Use of Stable Isotope Techniques for Studying Mineral and Trace Element Metabolism in Humans * Isotopic Analysis via Multi-Collector ICP-MS in Elemental Speciation A must-have for newcomers as well as established scientists seeking an overview of isotopic analysis via ICP-MS.

The use of Compound-specific Stable Isotope Analysis (CSIA) is increasing in many areas of science and technology for source allocation, authentication, and characterization of transformation reactions. Until now, there have been no textbooks available for students with an analytical chemical background or basic introductory books emphasising the instrumentation and theory. This book is the first to focus solely on stable isotope analysis of individual compounds in sometimes complex mixtures. It acts as both a lecture companion for students and a consultant for advanced scientists in fields including forensic and environmental science. The book starts with a brief history of the field before going on to explain stable isotopes from scratch. The different ways to express isotope abundances are introduced together with isotope effects and isotopic fractionation. A detailed account of the required technical equipment and general procedures for CSIA is provided. This includes sections on derivatization and the use of microextraction techniques in GC-IRMS. The very important topic of referencing and calibration in CSIA is clearly described. This differs from approaches used in quantitative analysis and is often difficult for the newcomer to comprehend. Examples of successful applications of CSIA in food authenticity, forensics, archaeology, doping control, environmental science, and extraterrestrial materials are included. Applications in isotope data treatment and presentation are also discussed and emphasis is placed on the general conclusions that can be drawn from the uses of CSIA. Further instrumental developments in the field are highlighted and selected experiments are introduced that may act as a basis for a short practical course at graduate level.

This book highlights new and emerging uses of stable isotope analysis in a variety of ecological disciplines. While the use of natural abundance isotopes in ecological research is now relatively standard, new techniques and ways of interpreting patterns are developing rapidly. The second edition of this book provides a thorough, up-to-date examination of these methods of research. As part of the Ecological Methods and Concepts series which provides the latest information on experimental techniques in ecology, this book looks at a wide range of techniques that use natural abundance isotopes to: follow whole ecosystem element cycling understand processes of soil organic matter formation follow the movement of water in whole watersheds understand the effects of pollution in both terrestrial and aquatic environments study extreme systems such as hydrothermal vents follow migrating organisms In each case, the book explains the background to the methodology, looks at the underlying principles and assumptions, and outlines the potential limitations and pitfalls. Stable Isotopes in Ecology and Environmental Science is an ideal resource for both ecologists who are new to isotopic analysis, and more experienced isotope ecologists interested in innovative techniques and pioneering new uses.

Edited by two very well-known and respected scientists in the field, this excellent practical guide is the first to cover the fundamentals and a wide range of applications, as well as showing readers how to efficiently use this increasingly important technique. From the contents: * The Isotopic Composition of the Elements * Single-Collector ICP-MS * Multi-Collector ICP-MS * Advances in Laser Ablation - Multi-Collector ICP-MS * Correction for Instrumental Mass Discrimination in Isotope Ratio Determination with Multi-Collector ICP-MS * Reference Materials in Isotopic Analysis * Quality Control in Isotope Ratio Applications * Determination of Trace Elements and Elemental Species Using Isotope Dilution ICP-MS * Geochronological Dating * Application of Multi-Collector ICP-MS to Isotopic Analysis in Cosmochemistry * Establishing the Basis for Using Stable Isotope Ratios of Metals as Paleoredox Proxies * Isotopes as Tracers of Elements Across the Geosphere-Biosphere Interface * Archaeometric Applications * Forensics Applications * Nuclear Applications * The Use of Stable Isotope Techniques for Studying Mineral and Trace Element Metabolism in Humans * Isotopic Analysis via Multi-Collector ICP-MS in Elemental Speciation A must-have for newcomers as well as established scientists seeking an overview of isotopic analysis via ICP-MS.

A solid introduction to stable isotopes that can also be used as an instructive review for more experienced researchers and professionals. The book approaches the use of isotopes from the perspective of ecological and biological research, but its concepts can be applied within other disciplines. A novel, step-by-step spreadsheet modeling approach is also presented for circulating tracers in any ecological system, including any favorite system an ecologist might dream up while sitting at a computer. The author’s humorous and lighthearted style painlessly imparts the principles of isotope ecology. The online material contains color illustrations, spreadsheet models, technical appendices, and problems and answers.

Tracking Animal Migration with Stable Isotopes, Second Edition, provides a complete introduction to new and powerful isotopic tools and applications that track animal migration, reviewing where isotope tracers fit in the modern toolbox of tracking methods. The book provides background information on a broad range of migration scenarios in terrestrial and aquatic systems and summarizes the most cutting-edge developments in the field that are revolutionizing the way migrant individuals and populations are assigned to their true origins. It allows undergraduates, graduate students and non-specialist scientists to adopt and apply isotopes to migration research, and also serves as a useful reference for scientists. The new edition thoroughly updates the information available to the reader on current applications of this technique and provides new tools for the isotopic assignment of individuals to origins, including geostatistical multi-isotope approaches and the ways in which researchers can combine isotopes with routine data in a Bayesian framework to provide best estimates of animal origins. Four new chapters include contributions on applications to the movements of terrestrial mammals, with particular emphasis on how aspects of animal physiology can influence stable isotope values. Includes an animal physiology component that is an in-depth overview of the cautions and caveats related to this technique Covers marine and aquatic isoscapes and methods to track marine organisms for researchers trying to apply isotopic tracking to animals in these environments Features state-of-the-art statistical treatments for assignment and combining diverse datasets

This book was triggered by the success story of sector field mass spectrometry in elemental and isotopic analysis from the early days when the first mass spectrum of Ne was presented a hundred years ago. The outstanding and unique features of sector field mass spectrometry - high sensitivity, high mass resolution and simultaneous multiple ion detection - paved the way for its successful and increasing application in different fields of science. Written, compiled and edited by worldwide renowned experts with profound expertise in sector field mass spectrometry related to elemental and isotopic analysis, this book is intended to provide deep insight into the topic along with fundamental knowledge about elemental and isotopic analysis. Aimed at scientists in the field of natural and life sciences, instrument manufacturers, practitioners and graduate students, this book provides solid information about the methodological background and analytical capabilities of sector field mass spectrometry. A detailed description of peculiarities and an overview of the most relevant applications making use of specific techniques using sector field mass analysers (ICP-MS, GDMS, TIMS, SIMS and IRMS) are given, including a presentation of the currently available commercial instruments. This approach guarantees that readers are thoroughly introduced to and familiarized with the fascinating inter- and transdisciplinary field of sector field mass spectrometry.