Sample Analysis
Samples are weighed with a 5-place high precision microbalance.
Carbon Analysis:
Routine-precision analyses for C content and 13C
are carried out on samples containing 100 to 1000 µg C. Dry plant leaf material and animal tissue typically contain roughly 40% C by weight thus optimum sample size is 2-4 mg. Up to 50 mg of tissue (solids or liquids can be processed in any one analysis. For gas samples, such as breath, a usual sample size is 10 ml.
Nitrogen Analysis:
Routine-precision analyses can be carried out on samples with as little as 20 µg of N. However, optimum sample size should consist of 500 µg of N. Soils pose particular problems if the N content is low, requiring larger samples. Up to 50 mg of total sample can be processed in any one analysis.
Mailing and Turn-Around Time:
Samples can be sent through the regular mail, by international courier service, or by air freight. If your samples are non-viable, they should not be held up. Clear marking will help to speed up transit. Heat-treated and ground material can usually be labelled:
NON-VIABLE, NON-HAZARDOUS MATERIAL OF NO COMMERCIAL VALUE,
FOR RESEARCH PURPOSES ONLY.
We endeavour to process samples as fast as we can, and batches of 100-500 routine-precision isotope analyses normally take no more than 2 to 4 working weeks, excluding transit time. We will advise you when we receive your samples, and indicate when results will become available. If for some reason we cannot meet this date, we will advise you immediately.
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