ANSTO's research capabilities, led by the OPAL nuclear research reactor and associated instruments provide access to users investigating areas as diverse as materials, life sciences, climate change and mining/engineering.
Analyses Available from the EIL
IRMS can be used for a wide range of samples as the EIL has 5 different peripherals connected to our 2 mass spectrometers. Solid, liquid and gas samples are converted to gaseous species suitable for IRMS via a range of physical and chemical processes utilised in the peripherals. The CRDS provides faster turn-around for lower conductivity water samples by examining very specific spectroscopic features of a laser beam passed through water vapour over a long path length. The amount of each isotope present is reflected in the intensity of light detected.
Analytical reports provided by the EIL contain determinations of relative difference of isotope ratios, δ, of (13C/12C), (15N/14N), (18O/16O) and (2H/1H), herein referred to as δ13C, δ15N, δ18/16O and δ2H respectively. The values will be reported as parts per thousand (‰ or per mil).
| Sample Type | Isotope ratio | Standard amount of sample required |
| water | δ2H | 30 mL |
| water | δ18/16O | 30 mL |
| water | δ2H + δ18/16O | 30 mL |
| Organic (solid) | δ13C & δ15N | No more than 1 g |
| Organic (solid) | %C & %N | No more than 1 g |
Please note:
- Specific sampling and preservation requirements must be met, details of these will be provided upon request.
- Solid samples must be weighed into tin cups (provided upon request) by the applicant or at ANSTO by prior arrangement only.
- If less than the standard amount of sample is available, analysis may still be possible though precision may be lower. Please contact EIL to discuss before sample submission.
Contacts
Dr Suzanne Hollins
Phone: 02 9717 3701
Email: Suzanne.Hollins@ansto.gov.au
Robert Chisari
Phone: 02 9717 3283
Email: Robert.Chisari@ansto.gov.au