Isotopic composition analysis is a very specific analytical technique useful to explore the distribution of isotopes belonging to one element in a sample. This analytical method is necessary for scientific examination and application because it leads to information regarding the origins of materials, their mode of production, environmental development or biological metabolic pathways. Relying on a professional team with strong isotope analytical capabilities, BOC Sciences mainly conducts stable isotope composition analysis of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), oxygen (O), nitrogen (N), etc., and provides accurate analysis data for research fields such as geology, minerals, environment, agriculture, ecology, petroleum, natural gas, ocean, energy, pharmaceuticals, etc. BOC Sciences has established itself as a leading provider of stable isotopes, custom services and stable isotopes analysis services globally.

What is Isotopic Composition?

The isotopic composition is the same as that of any element in a given sample. Abundance is one way to express it, but we can also say ratio or delta value as the output. Isotopes are elements that come in different forms based on the number of neutrons present in their nucleus. For example, carbon, a fundamental element, has several isotopes, including carbon-12 (12C), carbon-13 (13C), and carbon-14 (14C). Naturally occurring isotope proportions can vary with the source and environment. Isotopic composition of a substance is discussed in terms of either isotopic ratios or isotopes abundances. Isotopic ratios compare the abundance of one isotope relative to another or to a standard, often denoted as δ (delta) values. These ratios serve as unique signatures that can provide insights into various processes such as biological metabolism, environmental changes, and geological transformations.

What is Isotopic Composition Analysis?

Isotopic composition analysis involves the precise measurement and interpretation of isotopic ratios within a sample. It utilizes sophisticated analytical techniques, such as mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, to quantify isotopic abundances. By comparing these ratios against established standards and databases, scientists can infer valuable information about the source, history, and transformation pathways of the sample. Isotopic composition analysis is a technique used to study the proportions of isotopes in a substance and is widely used in fields such as scientific research, environmental monitoring, food safety and archaeology.

The Importance of Isotopic Composition Analysis

Isotopic composition analysis holds immense importance across various fields due to its ability to provide precise and objective data. By elucidating isotopic signatures, scientists can discern subtle variations that traditional analytical methods may overlook. This capability not only enhances scientific accuracy but also broadens the scope of applications. The significance of isotopic composition analysis lies in its ability to offer quantitative data on isotopic ratios, which serve as powerful tracers in diverse scientific disciplines. This methodological approach enables you to:

• Trace Origin and Migration: Determine the geographical or biological origin of substances based on isotopic signatures.
• Study Environmental Processes: Monitor and understand natural processes like nutrient cycling, water movement, and climate change impacts.
• Validate Authenticity: Authenticate the origin and purity of natural products, food, and pharmaceuticals through isotopic fingerprinting.
• Support Forensic Investigations: Aid in forensic science by establishing links between samples and crime scenes through isotopic profiling.

BOC Sciences' Isotopic Composition Analysis

Firstly, BOC Sciences excelled in providing high-quality stable isotopes, which are essential for accurate and reliable isotopic composition analysis. Our comprehensive product portfolio includes isotopes such as Carbon-13, Nitrogen-15, Deuterium and Oxygen-18, which have been carefully synthesized to meet stringent purity standards. Moreover, at BOC Sciences, our isotopic composition analysis service leverages state-of-the-art technologies and extensive expertise to provide accurate and insightful data across a wide range of applications. Our commitment to quality and precision ensures that each analysis meets the highest standards, supporting scientific research, industrial applications, and environmental monitoring efforts globally.

Choosing Types of Our Isotopic Composition Analysis

• Carbon Isotope Analysis: Studying carbon sources and transformations in biological and environmental samples.
• Oxygen and Hydrogen Isotope Analysis: Tracing water sources, climate history, and metabolic pathways.
• Nitrogen and Sulfur Isotope Analysis: Investigating nitrogen cycling, protein metabolism, and sulfur transformations.

Isotopic Composition Analysis Service Scope

• Analysis of C and O isotopic compositions of carbonate cements in carbonates and sedimentary rocks
• Analysis of H and O isotope composition of water samples
• Analysis of C and N isotope composition in sediment, soil and plant samples
• O isotope analysis of quartz, magnetite and other single minerals and silicates
• Analysis of H and C isotopic compositions of single mineral inclusions
• Analysis of N isotope composition in nitrate and nitrate
• Analysis of C and H isotopic compositions of hydrocarbon gases such as acidolysis hydrocarbons and alkanes
• Analysis of C isotope composition of organic matter such as kerogen.
• Analysis of H, C, N isotope composition of individual compounds in oil, natural gas and source rock samples

For more types of Isotopic Composition Analysis Services, please contact us directly.

Isotopic Composition Analysis Models

Bulk Sample Isotope Analysis (BSIA)

BSIA is an analysis of the isotope ratios of all compounds in a sample. BSIA first converts C, H, O, and N in the sample into carbon monoxide, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen through EA, and then is separated by GC and introduced into an isotope ratio chromatograph for analysis.

Compound Specific Isotope Analysis (CSIA)

CSIA enables isotopic composition analysis of individual compounds in complex samples. The samples were first separated by GC. The obtained single compound is introduced into an isotope ratio chromatograph for analysis after combustion and reduction.

Position Specific Isotope Analysis (PSIA)

PSIA is an analysis of the isotope ratio of atoms at specific positions within a molecule.

Isotopic composition analysis model provided by BOC Sciences.

Equipments for Isotopic Composition Analysis

Our laboratory is equipped with MAT 253 stable isotope ratio mass spectrometer, DELTA V Advantage stable isotope ratio mass spectrometer, gas chromatograph (GC), elemental analyzer (EA), mass spectrometer, vacuum sample pretreatment device and other state-of-the-art equipment to analyze the isotopic composition of samples. Our professional technical team is responsible for related testing, instrument operation and maintenance to ensure reliable analysis results.

MAT 253 Stable Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer

MAT 253 stable isotope ratio mass spectrometer can realize stable isotope analysis of C, H, O, N and other stable isotopes of various samples (such as oil, natural gas, rock minerals, sediments, plants, water bodies, etc.) through the combination of GC, EA and other auxiliary equipment.

DELTA V Advantage Stable Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer

DELTA V Advantage stable isotope ratio mass spectrometer is specially used for O isotope composition analysis of quartz, magnetite, zircon, silicate whole rock and other rock minerals.

Sample Pretreatment Equipment

We use different sample pretreatment equipment for different sample characteristics. Sample pretreatment equipment includes inclusion isotope sample treatment equipment, water sample pretreatment equipment, acidolysis hydrocarbon sample pretreatment equipment, nitrogen and oxygen isotope pretreatment equipment in nitrate and nitrate ions, etc. The equipment is easy to operate and has excellent performance, which can meet the pretreatment of a large number of samples.

Applications of Isotopic Composition Analysis

Environmental Science

• Source tracing: By analyzing the isotopic composition of pollutants, identify the source and its diffusion path.
• Climate change research: Using changes in isotopes in ice cores, tree rings, and sediments to reconstruct past climate conditions.

Biomedical Science

• Metabolic studies: Trace metabolic pathways in the body using labeled isotopes to study the absorption, distribution, and metabolism of nutrients.
• Drug development: Evaluation of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) properties of drugs using isotope labeling.

Food Safety and Traceability

• Food certification: Verification of geographical origin and authenticity by analyzing the isotopic composition of food.
• Adulteration detection: Identification of adulterated ingredients that may be present in food.

Earth Science

• Geological dating: Isotopes such as uranium-lead and carbon-14 are used to determine the age of rocks and fossils.
• Geochemical studies: Study the isotopic composition of rocks and minerals to understand geological processes and the evolution of the earth's crust.

Why Choose BOC Sciences?

• Expertise: With over 20 years of experience, BOC Sciences delivers accurate and reliable isotopic analysis tailored to diverse research and industrial needs.
• Technology: We employ cutting-edge instrumentation and validated methodologies to ensure precise measurements and robust data interpretation.
• Customized Solutions: Our consultative approach allows for tailored analytical protocols, ensuring clients receive actionable insights that meet specific objectives.
• Comprehensive Support: From project planning to results delivery, our dedicated team provides comprehensive support, facilitating informed decision-making and scientific advancement.

Isotopic composition analysis at BOC Sciences empowers scientific research, enhances industrial processes, and addresses global challenges by providing accurate insights into complex systems. Trust us to deliver precise isotopic analysis that advances your research goals and applications in today's dynamic world, including pharmaceutical development and beyond.

Case Study

Environmental Dynamics in Central Iran During the Late Quaternary: Insights from Stable Isotope Analysis of Pedogenic Carbonates

This study aims to reconstruct the environmental history of central Iran during the late Quaternary using stable carbon and oxygen isotopes from pedogenic carbonates, focusing on the Baharan palaeosol. Stable isotopic analysis revealed three distinct phases of environmental change over the last 32,000 years in central Iran. During the late Pleistocene (31.6-26.0 ka), the region experienced sub-humid conditions with deep leaching and the expansion of C4 plants. This was followed by a transition to semi-arid conditions characterized by increasing δ18O values, indicating aridification from 26.0 ka to the late Holocene. The final phase, during the late Holocene, saw the establishment of an arid and evaporative environment with sparse vegetation cover. Regional climate correlations suggested connections between central Iran and the eastern Mediterranean during the late Pleistocene, and with northern Oman during the late Holocene, based on stable isotopic compositions from comparable cave records. This case study illustrates how stable isotopic analysis of pedogenic carbonates provides critical insights into long-term environmental dynamics and their climatic implications in arid regions like central Iran.

FAQ

1. What is isotopic composition in chemistry?

Isotopic composition refers to the relative abundance or proportion of different isotopes present in a sample. In chemistry, isotopes are atoms that have the same atomic number but different mass numbers. Their presence can affect chemical properties and reaction rates, so understanding and analyzing isotopic composition is essential for many chemical and biological studies.

2. What is the isotopic composition of water?

The isotopic composition of water is mainly composed of hydrogen and oxygen isotopes. The main hydrogen isotopes of common water (H₂O) are deuterium (heavy hydrogen, D) and hydrogen (often referred to as light hydrogen, ¹H), while the main oxygen isotopes are oxygen-16 (¹⁶O) and oxygen-18 (¹⁸O). The ratios of these isotopes vary in nature; for example, geographical location, climate conditions, and the source of water affect the isotopic content and ratio of water bodies.

3. What is the isotopic composition of carbon?

There are three main stable isotopes of carbon: carbon-12 (¹²C), carbon-13 (¹³C), and carbon-14 (¹⁴C). In nature, carbon-12 makes up the vast majority (about 98.9%) and carbon-13 about 1.1%, while carbon-14 is so rare that it is usually only noticed in radiocarbon dating and geological studies. The ratio of these isotopes is important for the chemical and biogeochemical processes of carbon, for example, carbon isotope analysis is widely used in the fields of biology, geology and environmental science.

4. What is the composition of an atom and isotopes?

Atoms are made up of several elementary particles: protons, neutrons and electrons. Protons have a positive charge, neutrons are neutral particles, and electrons have a negative charge. In the nucleus, protons and neutrons form the nucleus, and electrons travel around the nucleus to form a cloud of electrons. Isotopes are atoms that have the same atomic number (i.e. the same number of protons) but different numbers of neutrons.

5. How do you measure isotopic composition?

Methods for measuring isotopic composition often involve mass spectrometry techniques, especially mass spectrometers. Here are some common methods of measurement:

• Mass spectrometry: A mass spectrometer can analyze the relative abundance of isotopes in a sample. A mass spectrometer measures the mass and relative abundance of molecules or atoms in a sample by ionizing them and accelerating and separating them in an electric field.
• Isotopic ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) : This is a mass spectrometry technique specifically used to measure isotopic ratios. The sample is first converted into a gas or volatile compound, and then its isotope ratio is analyzed by a mass spectrometer.
• Radioisotope dating: The decay rate of a radioisotope is used to determine the age of a sample. For example, carbon-14 dating is used to date organic samples.
• Spectroscopic analysis: NMR or electron spin resonance techniques for certain isotopes (e.g., hydrogen, oxygen, sulfur) can also be used to measure their isotopic composition, especially at the molecular level.