Regional and temporal (1992-2004) evolution of air-borne sulphur isotope composition in Saxony, southeastern Germany, central Europe

The isotopic composition of air-borne sulphur was investigated in Saxony, Southeast Germany--a region with formerly very high atmospheric SO(2) concentrations. In addition, data from various authors were compiled for different Saxonian locations, spanning from 1992 to 2004, i.e., a time of decreasing SO(2) concentrations in the atmosphere. There were no obvious temporal changes in the mean delta(34)S value of bulk precipitation. However, the variability of monthly mean delta(34)S values decreased. The mean sulphur isotope composition of sulphate from bulk precipitation after the year 2000 converges in Saxony towards 4-5 per thousand, with similar values for different locations. Mean values of different forms of sulphur show the following enrichment order: delta(34)S of SO(2) < delta(34)S of weathering crusts < or =delta(34)S of sulphate from bulk precipitation < or =delta(34)S of dust. Judging from local differences on sulphate crusts and corresponding isotope values of sources, the delta(34)S value of SO(2) as well as for crusts mainly reflects local point sources. The mean delta(34)S value of bulk precipitation represents more regionally well-mixed SO(2) sources and is therefore an ideal tool for monitoring regional atmospheric change.     

Evaluation of the sulfate dynamics in groundwater by means of environmental isotopes

Elevated sulfate concentrations and their heterogeneous distribution in the drinking water catchment area Torgau-Mockritz (Germany) were investigated by means of multiple isotope signatures such as 834S, delta18O-H2O, deltaD, tritium, and 85K5r. delta34S values of the groundwater sulfate vary between -19...+ 37 per thousand CDT. No simple correlation exists between sulfate concentrations and delta34S. Superimposition of different sulfur sources and mobilization processes combined with a complicated groundwater movement create a complex distribution pattern. The oxidation of reduced sedimentary sulfur has to be regarded as a main source of dissolved sulfate at least regionally. Tritium and 14C data revealed that old groundwater can be excluded as source for high sulfate contents. Correlated temporal variations in the concentrations of tritium and sulfate are observed in deeper sampling positions. Highly variable delta18O and 8D, as detected in parts of the catchment area, indicate local influences of surface water infiltration into the aquifer. The spatial distribution of isotope signatures enables the identification of zones with descending younger water or hindered groundwater movement and hence provides useful hints for flow modeling.     

Isotope variations in white-tailed kites from various habitats in California: possible limitations in assessing prey utilization and population dynamics

White-tailed kite (Elanus leucurus) populations in the 1930s were close to extirpation in the United States. But by the 1940s, an upward trend towards recovery was apparent and continued to their current stable population levels. These dramatic fluctuations in kite numbers may have been related to changes in rodent prey populations due to the conversion of native habitats to agriculture. To address this question, we evaluated the use of stable isotope analysis in determining if a shift in diet could be isotopically differentiated in current and historic kite populations. We first compared delta13C, delta15N, and delta34S values from present-day kite flight feathers and prey fur samples from four locations in California. The total ranges of isotope values for kite and their rodent prey were similar within each site. Carbon isotope values ranged from -27.1 to -22.2 per thousand in Arcata, -26.1 to -16.9 per thousand in Davis, -27.0 to -15.0 per thousand in Cosumnes, and -28.2 to -11.6 per thousand in Santa Barbara. Nitrogen isotope values ranged from 3.2 to 15.7 per thousand in Arcata, 2.8 to 12.7 per thousand in Davis, 4.0 to 15.7 per thousand in Cosumnes, and 1.7 to 20.0 per thousand in Santa Barbara. Sulfur isotope values ranged from -7.8 to 12.4 per thousand in Arcata, -1.1 to 9.2 per thousand in Davis, 0.7 to 10.9 per thousand in Cosumnes, and -8.6 to 15.6 per thousand in Santa Barbara. Carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur isotope values at each site reflect typical trophic enrichments due to physiological processes. At each site, delta13C and delta15N values reflected the influence of a predominantly C3 or a mixed C3/C4 plant community. Sulfur isotope values reflect the influence of predominant marine or terrestrial sulfur sources at each site. However, variability in isotope values may limit the usefulness of such analyses for addressing prey utilization and population dynamics.     

Chlorine isotope fractionation associated with volcanic activity at the Kusatsu-Bandaiko hot spring in Japan

Stable chlorine isotope compositions (delta(37)Cl, per-mil: per thousand, vs. a standard sample of sea water) of Kusatsu-bandaiko hot water samples, taken regularly in the years between 1974 and 1995 in the Kusatsu-Shirane volcanic region, Japan, were measured mass-spectrometrically. The results show that the delta(37)Cl values of the waters taken before 1984 were at around-0.12 per thousand, whereas those after 1984 were at around+0.18 per thousand. The delta(37)Cl values are thus distinct across 1984, which is consistent with the classification by the Cl to S molar ratio (Cl/S): the higher the Cl/S ratio, the larger the delta(37)Cl value. The delta(37)Cl value increased as much as 0.30 per thousand during 5 years between 1980 and 1984. This isotopic enrichment is likely correlated with increasing Cl/S ratios, suggesting that the heavier isotope ((37)Cl) may have preferentially increased in the original Cl source of the hot spring across 1984 when volcanic activity likely increased at Mt Kusatsu-Shirane.     

Sulfur isotopic composition of H2S and SO4(2-) from mineral springs in the Polish Carpathians

A number of springs in Carpathian Mts. contain dissolved H2S and SO4(2-) in concentrations above 10 mg/dm3. In this study we have investigated the sulfur isotope composition (delta34S) of the dissolved sulfur species in the springs from the flysch area in the Carpathian Mts. along the tectonic dislocation. It is believed that some of these springs may carry a major fraction of dissolved sulfur species of extremely deep sulfur (of mantle origin), which is subjected to SO4(2-)-H2S isotope exchange at high temperatures. The original isotopic compositions may be modified by reduction/oxidation at low temperatures and by admixture of sulfur from other sources. In order to distinguish the sulfur of mantle origin we investigated delta34S of dissolved sulfide and sulfate and on the basis of known concentrations we calculated delta34S of total dissolved sulfur. The isotope fractionation between sulfate and sulfide helped to distinguish the sulfur origin. Evaluating the sulfur isotope exchange, we selected 4 springs which likely have only weakly disturbed sulfur of mantle origin.     

Diets of nesting laughing gulls (Larus atricilla) at the Virginia Coast Reserve: observations from stable isotope analysis

Food web studies often ignore details of temporal, spatial, and intrapopulation dietary variation in top-level consumers. In this study, intrapopulation dietary variation of a dominant carnivore, the Laughing Gull (Larus atricilla), was examined using carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur isotope analysis of gull tissues as well as their prey (fish, invertebrates, and insects) from the Virginia Coast Reserve estuarine system. As earlier traditional diet studies found evidence of individual dietary specialization within gull populations, this study used stable isotope analysis to assess specialization in a coastal Laughing Gull population. Specifically, blood, muscle, and feather isotope values indicated significant intrapopulation dietary specialization. Some gulls relied more heavily on estuarine prey (mean blood delta13C = -17.5, delta15N = 12.6, and delta34S = 9.3), whereas others appeared to consume more foods of marine origin (mean blood delta13C = -19.4, delta15N = 14.8, and delta34S = 10.4). It is important to account for such dietary variability when assessing trophic linkages in dynamic estuarine systems.     

Isotopic assessment of sources and processes affecting sulfate and nitrate in surface water and groundwater of Luxembourg

Surface water and deep and shallow groundwater samples were taken from selected parts of the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg to determine the isotopic composition of nitrate and sulfate, in order to identify sources and/or processes affecting these solutes. Deep groundwater had sulfate concentrations between 20 and 40 mg/L, delta34S(sulfate) values between -3.0 and -20.0 per thousand, and delta18O(sulfate) values between +1.5 and +5.0 per thousand; nitrate was characterized by concentrations varying between < 0.5 and 10 mg/L, delta15N(nitrate) values of approximately -0.5 per thousand, and delta18O(nitrate) values approximately +3.0 per thousand. In the shallow groundwater, sulfate concentrations ranged from 25 to 30 mg/L, delta34S(sulfate) values from -20.0 to +4.5 per thousand, and delta18O(sulfate) values from approximately +0.5 to +4.5 per thousand; nitrate concentrations varied between approximately 10 and 75 mg/L, delta15N(nitrate) values between +2.5 and +10.0 per thousand, and delta18O(nitrate) values between +1.0 and +3.0 per thousand. In surface water, sulfate concentrations ranged from 10 to 210 mg/L, delta34S(sulfate) values varied between -9.3 and +10.9 per thousand, and delta18O(sulfate) values between +3.0 and +10.7 per thousand were observed. Nitrate concentrations ranged from 10 to 40 mg/L, delta15N(nitrate) values from +6.5 to +12.0 per thousand, and delta18O(nitrate) values from -0.4 to +4.0 per thousand. Based on these data, three sulfate sources were identified controlling the riverine sulfate load. These are soil sulfate, dissolution of evaporites, and oxidation of reduced S minerals in the bedrock. Both groundwater types were predominantly influenced by sulfate from the two latter lithogenic S sources. The deep groundwater and a couple shallow groundwater samples had nitrate derived mainly from soil nitrification. All other sampling sites were influenced by nitrate originating from sewage and/or manure. A decrease in nitrate concentration observed along one of the rivers was attributed to denitrification. It appears that sulfate within Luxembourg's aquatic ecosystem is mainly of lithogenic origin, whereas nitrate is often derived from anthropogenic activities.     

Fertilizer nitrogen isotope signatures

There has been considerable recent interest in the potential application of nitrogen isotope analysis in discriminating between organically and conventionally grown crops. A prerequisite of this approach is that there is a difference in the nitrogen isotope compositions of the fertilizers used in organic and conventional agriculture. We report new measurements of delta15N values for synthetic nitrogen fertilizers and present a compilation of the new data with existing literature nitrogen isotope data. Nitrogen isotope values for fertilizers that may be permitted in organic cultivation systems are also reported (manures, composts, bloodmeal, bonemeal, hoof and horn, fishmeal and seaweed based fertilizers). The delta15N values of the synthetic fertilizers in the compiled dataset fall within a narrow range close to 0 per thousand with 80% of samples lying between-2 and 2 per thousand and 98.5% of the data having delta15N values of less than 4 per thousand (mean=0.2 per thousand n=153). The fertilizers that may be permitted in organic systems have a higher mean delta15N value of 8.5 per thousand and exhibit a broader range in delta15N values from 0.6 to 36.7 per thousand (n=83). The possible application of the nitrogen isotope approach in discriminating between organically and conventionally grown crops is discussed in light of the fertilizer data presented here and with regard to other factors that are also important in determining crop nitrogen isotope values.     

Distribution of stable isotopes in surface water along the Danube River in Serbia

Stable hydrogen and oxygen isotopes were analysed in water samples from the River Danube and its tributaries during a longitudinal survey performed in August 2005 on Serbian territory. Danube river water data ranged from-80 per thousand to-66 per thousand for delta2H, and from-11.2 per thousand to-9.3 per thousand for delta18O with delta values increasing downstream. The isotopic signatures of the adjacent tributaries (the Tisza, the Sava and the Velika Morava) sampled at the locations close to their confluence with the Danube (Titel, Ostruznica and Ljubicevski most, respectively) just about the time of the campaign were enriched (-67 per thousand and-63 per thousand for delta2H, and-9.3 per thousand and-8.9 per thousand for delta18O) with respect to the Danube water because of their catchment effects. Hydrogen and oxygen stable isotope values were used in combination with measured physico-chemical and biological parameters to trace hydrological and transport processes in these river systems. The mixing relationships between the Danube main stream and its tributaries were estimated using the mass balance for isotopic composition and electrical conductivity as conservative parameters. Evidence of an incomplete mixing process at the Centa location, 8 km below the confluence of the Tisza river, with its participation of 88% was shown by its oxygen-18 content. The correlations between river water isotope composition and physico-chemical and biological parameters are discussed.     

A modified technique for the preparation of SO2 from sulphates and sulphides for sulphur isotope analyses

A modified technique for the conversion of sulphates and sulphides to SO2 with the mixture of V2O5-SiO2 for sulphur isotopic analyses is described. This technique is more suitable for routine analysis of large number of samples. Modification of the reaction vessel and using manifold inlet system allows to analyse up to 24 samples every day. The modified technique assures the complete yield of SO2, consistent oxygen isotope composition of the SO2 gas and reproducibility of delta34S measurements being within 0.10 per thousand. It is observed, however, oxygen in SO2 produced from sulphides differs in delta18O with respect to that produced from sulphates.     

Flooding of lignite mines: isotope variations and processes in a system influenced by saline groundwater

The quality of both groundwaters and surface waters that arise during flooding of abandoned lignite open pits are influenced by regional and local factors. A typical regional factor is due to oxidised sedimentary sulfides. A more local factor is the interaction of shallow water with highly saline groundwater, which is important in Merseburg-Ost (Germany). Investigation of this system is aided by the use of many environmental isotope tracers but special problems can arise. In order to reveal processes in the mine environment (shallow groundwater, lake water) and to characterise mixtures with saline groundwater results are described using the tracers deltaD, delta18O, delta13C, delta34S, 87Sr/86Sr, 3H, 14C, 39Ar, and 222Rn. Deep highly saline groundwater had a radiocarbon concentration typically below 10 pMC. The values of delta13C(DIC) are around-5 per thousand. As delta13C of the aquifer rock samples (Permian, Zechstein carbonates) was in the range of-6...+5 per thousand, residence time corrections based on delta13C are questionable. Additional checks with 39Ar, as well as results from the variationof delta18O (or deltaD) with respect to the salinity, emphasise a Holocene age; as is also the case for most mineralised groundwaters and also for water having a low delta18O (and deltaD). For saline groundwater residing in the Zechstein aquifer the measured delta34S values of about 12 per thousand are close to those expected from the literature. In contrast, the 87Sr/86Sr ratio of dissolved strontium is far from the values anticipated for the aquifer rocks despite there being proportionality between the chloride concentration and the strontium concentration. Furthermore, the proportionality is not valid in lower mineralised water. The 87Sr/86Sr ratio can, therefore, hardly be used as a tracer for the distribution of ascending saline water. The amount of salt-water coming from below into the residual quarry basins is an essential contribution to the lake inventories. Therefore, 222Rn was used to assist in determining the renewal of salt-water layers that formed in deep lake locations. In the deep zones 222Rn concentrations up to 6 Bq/l were measured but were dominantly in equilibrium with 226Ra, which was found in all higher mineralised groundwater samples. Excess radon was limited to just a few decimetres above the lake sediment surface but does not appear to be caused by continuous groundwater discharge.Hydrochemical investigations of groundwater from the Quaternary aquifer were carried out over the last six years before flooding was complete. Apart from a slight downward shift of the average sulfate concentration, other changes showed virtually no trends. An increase of the sulfate concentration was mostly correlated with a decrease of delta34S for individual sites only, but not for the whole ensemble of sampling locations. Sulfate from pyrite oxidation plays an important role but cannot be attributed unequivocally to coal mining. There are hints that the conditions closer to the basin edges may differ from those remoter parts of the flood plain.     

Feeding and growth of apple snail Pomacea lineata in the Pantanal wetland,Brazil--a stable isotope approach

Apple snails Pomacea lineata (SPIX 1827) are widespread in the tropical regions of Brazil as well as in the Pantanal wetland of Mato Grosso in the western part of the country. They have a key position in the Pantanal food web and serve as food for many animals e.g. fishes, birds, and caimans. However, little is known about their feeding preferences and growth rates. Stable isotopes have been used successfully on numerous studies as food source indicator. Therefore, the delta15N and delta13C values of snails from 0.45 to 3.03 cm in length, which were collected in the rainy season from March through May, were analyzed. Snails signatures revealed ambiguous evidence for food preferences. Delta15N and delta13C values ranged between -2.8 and 12.4 per thousand and between -24.2 and -16.4, per thousand respectively. This range of values mirrors the highly variable isotope values of possible food sources comprising C3 and C4 macrophytes. To test whether all common food sources were similarly assimilated, feeding experiments with different diets were conducted. Snail eggs were reared in tanks and offered different but single plants. Snails fed different diets and delta13C values of the food were reflected in the animal tissue. Growth varied considerably in experiments with different diets indicating the preference for certain food sources. Also, the fractionation of nitrogen isotopes between food and animal varied from 0.1 to 17.0 per thousand. The results are explained by different feeding habits, and it is supposed that animals fed either on the plant itself or on bacteria mats growing in the tanks. In an additional experiment juvenile snails were offered one single food with a distinctive C4 grass signature. These snails did not grow detectably, but nevertheless isotope signatures approached to values of the diet.     

Tracing the pathways of neotropical migratory shorebirds using stable isotopes: a pilot study

We evaluated the potential use of stable isotopes to establish linkages between the wintering grounds and the breeding grounds of the Pectoral Sandpiper (Calidris melanotos), the White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis), the Baird's Sandpiper (Calidris bairdii), and other Neotropical migratory shorebird species (e.g., Tringa spp.). These species molt their flight feathers on the wintering grounds and hence their flight feathers carry chemical signatures that are characteristic of their winter habitat. The objective of our pilot study was to assess the feasibility of identifying the winter origin of individual birds by: (1) collecting shorebird flight feathers from several widely separated Argentine sites and analyzing these for a suite of stable isotopes; and 2) analyzing the deuterium and 18O isotope data that were available from precipitation measurement stations in Argentina. Isotopic ratios (delta13C, delta15N and delta34S) of flight feathers were significantly different among three widely separated sites in Argentina during January 2001. In terms of relative importance in separating the sites, delta34S was most important, followed by delta15N, and then delta13C. In the complete discriminant analysis, the classification function correctly predicted group membership in 85% of the cases (jackknifed classification matrix). In a stepwise analysis delta13C was dropped from the solution, and site membership was correctly predicted in 92% of cases (jackknifed matrix). Analysis of precipitation data showed that both deltaD and delta18O were significantly related to both latitude and longitude on a countrywide scale (p < 0.001). Other variables, month, altitude, explained little additional variation in these isotope ratios. Several issues were identified that will likely constrain the degree of accuracy one can expect in predicting the geographic origin of birds from Argentina. There was unexplained variation in isotope ratios within and among the different wing feathers from individual birds. Such variation may indicate that birds are not faithful to a local site during their winter stay in Argentina. There was significant interannual variation in the deltaD and delta18O of precipitation. Hence, specific locations may not have a constant signature for some isotopes. Moreover, the fractionation that occurs in wetlands due to evaporation significantly skews local deltaD and delta18O values, which may undermine the strong large-scale gradients seen in the precipitation data. We are continuing the research with universities in Argentina with a focus on expanding the breadth of feather collection and attempting to resolve the identified issues.     

Isotopic characteristics of meteoric waters in the Belgrade region

The stable isotope composition of hydrogen (delta(2)H) and oxygen (delta(18)O) in monthly precipitation and river water (Sava River and Danube) samples in the Belgrade area gathered between 1992 and 2005 are determined. The local meteoric water line delta(2)H=7.8 (+/-0.2) delta(18)O+7.3(+/-1.6) (r(2)=0.98, n=60, sigma=0.52) for the whole period of observation is close to the global meteoric water line. The amount-weighted mean delta(2)H and delta(18)O values of precipitation were-65+/-27 per thousand and-9.4+/-3.4 per thousand, respectively. Good correlation between delta(18)O values (r approximately >0.67) and ambient temperature and relative humidity was obtained. Stream-water data ranged from-94 to-60 per thousand for delta(2)H and from-11.0 to approximately 5.7 per thousand for delta(18)O with highly statistically significant difference (p>0.01) between the Sava River and the Danube. In addition, the isotopic compositions of local precipitation and adjacent river water at monitoring sites were compared. Obtained data will give an opportunity to improve the knowledge of mixing stream water and local groundwater, and assessment of potential groundwater risks and pressures in the Belgrade basin.     

Determination of delta13 CV-PDB and delta15NAIR values of cocaine from a big seizure in Germany by stable isotope ratio mass spectrometry

In this study, delta(13)C(V- PDB) and delta(15)N(AIR) values of 132 cocaine samples from a big seizure in Germany in 2002 were determined using elemental analyser isotope ratio mass spectrometry. The 1.2 tons of cocaine were packed in 1 kg packages and the cocaine bricks inside these packages showed certain logos. Twenty different logos could be identified. Results show a large variability among some samples, for delta(15)N(AIR) values ranging from-17 to -2 per thousand. Furthermore, the possibility of linking samples with the same logo was checked. The results show that, in general, there is no relationship between the determined isotope ratio and a certain logo.     

Environmental isotopes as a useful tool for studies at mixed uranium mill tailings sites

Groundwaters in the area of a mixed landfill (domestic waste above uranium mill tailings) in Dresden (Saxony, Germany) were investigated for their isotope signatures to distinguish between different groundwater types. To determine between the two contamination sources (waste and uranium mill tailings) a multi parameter interpretation was done using both, the main hydrochemical parameters the radionuclides 234U, 238U, 226Ra and 222Rn as well as the environmental isotopes of the elements hydrogen, oxygen, sulphur and carbon. The seepage water from the landfill shows higher delta34S, delta18O and tritium values as the inflow. The tritium values give an idea about water movement in the dump and mean residence time of the groundwater. The water in the dump shows varying delta13C values which indicate different processes occurring in the dump.     

Relationship between isotope composition of sulphur in sulphate dissolved in river water and sulphur extracted from fish scales

More than 100 trouts captured in more than 20 rivers from Poland have been analysed. Only fish caught by trout fishermen were used for this study. Isotope compositions of sulphur (δ(34)S) and carbon (δ(13)C) of fish scales were examined together with δ(34)S from sulphate dissolved in river, as well as patterns of fish diet. We predominantly examined adult fish, at least 4 years old. A scatter of isotope values occurred among the samples obtained from fish caught in different rivers and also for fish caught in the same river. The scatter of the δ(34)S values was much larger than that of δ(13)C values. We noticed the relationship between δ(34)S of scales and δ(34)S of riverine sulphate. There is also a significant difference between isotope compositions obtained for different fish species, which can be attributed to their different diet.     

Sulphur stable isotope systematics in diagenetic pyrite from the North Sea hydrocarbon reservoirs revealed by laser combustion analysis

Our study focuses on pyrite nodules developed in the Brent Group sandstones, which host the Brent Oilfield, one of the North Sea's greatest oil and gas producers. Timing of nodule formation is equivocal, but due to the forceful, penetrative textures that abound, it is considered late. This pyrite offers a research opportunity because it records the development of the supply of H(2)S in a hydrocarbon reservoir and its sulphur isotopic composition. Laser-based analysis of δ(34)S reveals an extraordinary diversity in values and patterns. The values range from-27 to+72‰, covering half the terrestrial range, with large variations at the submillimetre scale. Isotopically heavy (δ(34)S ～+30‰ or higher) sulphide is endemic, but low δ(34)S pyrite is also present and appears to represent a temporally though not spatially (on the ～cm scale) distinct pyritisation event. The distribution of δ(34)S values within individual concretions can be normal (Gaussian), but in some cases may reflect progressive isotope fractionation process(es), conceivably of Rayleigh type. The source of the sulphur and the identity of the isotope fractionation process(es) remain enigmatic.     

The fate of organic matter in a papyrus (Cyperus papyrus L.) dominated tropical wetland ecosystem in Nyanza Gulf (Lake Victoria, Kenya) inferred from delta13C and delta15N analysis

Papyrus swamps usually form at the interface between river inlet and open lake. From one such wetland ecosystem (the Kibos system located in the Nyanza Gulf, Lake Victoria, Kenya), three sediment cores were recovered using piston corer in order to determine the fate of organic matter derived from papyrus and possible nutrient pathways in this system. The coring represented a transect from the river through the floating papyrus mat to the lake. Two short cores were retrieved from the lake and river. One long core (2 m) was recovered on a floating papyrus mat. The C:N ratio showed similar trends down core from the three locations. This may possibly be due to diagenic processes such as autolysis, dissolution and microbial mineralisation occurring in the sediments. Statistical analysis through one-way ANOVA revealed no significant differences in the C:N ratios between stations. Results of the stable carbon isotope ratios revealed that the delta(13)C of the river and lake samples were persistently more negative than -20 per thousand over the whole profile indicating possible contribution from terrestrial derived carbon. Regarding the floating mat core, the delta(13)C values ranged from -18.99 per thousand on the top of the floating mat but gradually increased to -16.82 per thousand towards the bottom of the core indicating possible contribution of carbon from Cyperus papyrus that has a delta(13)C value of -13.45+/-0.62 per thousand. Statistical analysis through one-way ANOVA revealed significant differences in the delta(13)C values between stations. The stable nitrogen isotope values were highly positive both in the river and in the lake station (delta(15)N > 10 per thousand), indicating possible contamination from sewage wastes. Values in the swamp were less positive suggesting first, the formation of ammonium depleted in (15)N from intense organic matter mineralisation, secondly indicating the delta(15)N signal of papyrus and, finally that nitrogen fixation processes were possibly occurring in the swamp. Statistical analysis through one-way ANOVA revealed significant differences in the delta(15)N values between stations. The stable isotope findings suggested that carbon derived from papyrus is retained in the swamp. Impoverished oxygen concentration in the swamp suggests high mineralisation of organic matter in the swamp indicating that the retained papyrus-derived carbon is largely respired. We conclude that further studies should be undertaken to determine the respiration rates in the wetland.     

A laser extraction/combustion technique for in situ delta(13)C analysis of organic and inorganic materials

A CO(2) laser extraction system is described for in situ delta(13)C analysis of organic and inorganic materials. Carbonaceous compounds volatilized by the laser are quantitatively converted to CO(2) gas by a combustion furnace mounted after the sample chamber. Gases produced by the laser and combustion processes are swept by helium carrier gas and separated by a packed gas chromatography column prior to their introduction to an isotope ratio monitoring mass spectrometer. A sample of lentil bean was analyzed at a spatial resolution of 200 μm and yielded delta(13)C values with precision of +/- 0.3 per thousand. The accuracy of delta(13)C measurements was better than +/- 0.5 per thousand from NBS 22 (mineral oil), USGS 24 (graphite), and IAEA CO-1 (calcium carbonate). Copyright 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.