Regional Stable Isotope Laboratory for Earth and Environmental Science Research 

The Department of Geology and Planetary Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh houses the Regional Stable Isotope  Laboratory for Earth and Environmental Science  Research  that aims to support regional research needs for academic, non-profit, and governmental scientists interested in exploring applications of stable isotopes in environmental systems.  The Regional Stable Isotope Laboratory also facilitates Department research focused on:
  1. Transforming our understanding of hydrological, atmospheric, and biological interactions and examining the influence of atmospheric nitrate on water quality, forest and estuarine health; 
  2. Supporting hydrologic  investigations of natural and human-impacted catchments and contemporary lake systems; and 
  3. Addressing complex  interactions between humans and the environment and the extent to which climate variability has influenced cultural evolution over the last 10,000 years.

Instrumentation

Continuous Flow-Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer

A continuous  flow GV Instruments IsoPrime™ stable isotope ratio mass spectrometer with  universal triple collector. This instrument is equipped with high throughput  continuous flow, an adjustable height Gilson GX271 autosampler, and a Trace Gas  system for cryogenic trapping of low concentration atmospheric gases.


Dual Inlet - Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer

GV Instruments (Micromass) IsoPrime™ stable isotope ratio mass spectrometer with universal triple collector and additional H/D assembly. The instrument is equipped with both traditional dual inlet and high throughput continuous flow modes. The system includes a Multi-Prep™ inlet module and Gilson autosampler for high precision determinations of carbonate δ18O and δ13C  and water sample δ18O and D/H ratios.


Elemental Analyzer

EuroVector  high temperature elemental analyzer for combustion or pyrolysis sample  preparation and determination of elemental and isotopic ratios (C, H, N, and S)  of sediments, soils and biological materials. The EuroVector system includes a  diluter kit for sequential carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis and a liquid  autosampler for the analysis of H/D through
chrome reduction techniques.

Analytical Capabilities

Analytical  services are available for a wide variety of isotopic measurements in a multitude of sample media.  A cost center facilitates payment on a per sample basis.  Please inquire with Dr. Emily Elliott or Katherine Redling for pricing and additional information.  Existing capabilities include:
  •  Nitrate  (δ15N, δ18O, D17O);
  •  Greenhouse  and trace gases:  carbon dioxide (δ13C, δ18O), nitrous oxide (δ15N, δ18O), methane  (δ13C);
  •  Nitrogen, carbon, and sulfur (δ15N, δ13C, δ34S) in organic and other solid materials (e.g., biota, soils);
  •  Ammonium (δ15N);
  •  Dry reactive nitrogen deposition (δ15N-NH3, δ15-NO2, and δ15N-HNO3); and
  •  Carbonates  (δ13C, δ18O)

Staff

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Laboratory  Manager and Stable Isotope Technician:
Katherine  Redling began managing the Laboratory in February 2010.  She earned her M.S.  in Geology & Planetary Science and a B.A. in Environmental Studies.  Her  thesis research used stable isotopes in dry nitrogen deposition, vegetation, and  CO2 to assess the affect of fossil fuel-derived NOx and  CO2 on urban ecosystems.  
 






Principal  Investigator:  Emily M. Elliott
Co-Investigators:  Daniel Bain, Mark Abbott
Support for the Regional Stable  Isotope Laboratory for Earth and Environmental Science Research is provided by  NSF award #0929182 to PI Elliott and the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pittsburgh.