Use of GC-QMS for stable isotope analysis of environmentally relevant main and trace gases in the air |
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Authors: | R Russow H Förstel |
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Institution: | 1. UFZ - Umweltforschungszentrum Leipzig - Halle GmbH , Leipzig, Germany;2. KFA - Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH , Leipzig, Germany |
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Abstract: | Abstract When tracing the fluxes of N compounds (especially N oxides) and carbon dioxide in the system soil-atmosphere and applying 15N and 13C, it is necessary to simultaneously determine both the concentration of the substances and their isotopic composition. GC separation (packed column) was coupled to a mass spectrometer by a special interface. Variable sample volumes can be delivered by changing the split by means of the interface in front of the MS. Thus, both the concentration of a gaseous compound and its 15N content can be measured. Supplying sample volumes in a range between 5 μl and 5 ml, it is possible to measure both components of high content (e.g., nitrogen) and at the lower ppm(v)-content (e.g., dinitrogen oxide) in the air. Measurements of N2, N2O, NO and CO2 are demonstrated, too. |
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Keywords: | air analysis carbon dioxide environment GC/MS nitrogen 15 nitrogen oxides tracer technique |
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