Geobiology Isotope Laboratory

 For information, please contact Ulrich Wortmann:

 Geobiology Stable Isotope Laboratory
 University of Toronto
 Department of Geology
 22 Russell street
 Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 3B1
 
 Tel: 416 978 3022

e-mail: uli dot wortmann at utoronto dot ca

 Materials | Pricing | Facilities

Lab news and research group images on G+: 

Materials

We routinely analyze the following substances:

• Solids: Bulk analysis of solids (and some fluids) for δ¹³C, δ¹⁵N, δ³⁴S via thermal decomposition. This includes e.g., soil and rock samples, organic substances, inorganic substances like sulfates, nitrates, or sulfides. Using our high temperature pyrolysis system, we also routinely measure δ¹⁸O on nitrates, sulfates, silicates. These measurement typically requires 10 to 20 mug of e.g. N or C etc. The achievable precision depends on the actual material. Typical σ-values range from 0.1 to 0.4 per mil.
• Gases: Our mass spectrometer is equipped with a 6 cup collector, enabling us to measure the isotopic composition of the following gas-species:  CO₂, CO, SO₂, O₂, N₂, SF₆,

Extractions and TC/TOC determinations: Upon request, we perform sulfur extraction and conversion to BaSO₄ and Ag₂S. We also perform total carbon (TC) and total organic carbon (TOC) determinations, on samples with less than 20wt% CaCO₃ content. Please contact us for a quote.

Pricing

The following table gives an indication of our pricing. Note however that certain conditions may apply (e.g., internal and NSERC pricing), and that it is assumed that the samples are delivered in a format suitable for measurement (e.g., already ground up and dried, etc.) Please contact us to inquire about the specific requirements.

Facilities

	We currently operate a Finnigan MAT 253, equipped with a Finnigan Conflo-III, a dual-inlet system, and a manifold serving 10 manual breakers. Our inlet systems include a Eurovector Elemental Analyzer, a Hekatech high temperature pyrolysis furnace,and a Finnigan Gas Bench with two cryo-concentrators.
	The Thermo-Finnigan MAT253 gas source isotope ratio monitoring mass spectrometer. The Conflo III is visible on the far left, followed by the ion-source housing, deflection magnet and the detectors (using a 6 cup configuration). The dual inlet system is visible on the front cover, and the manifold stubs on the top cover.
	The high temperature pyrolysis system. On the left the power supply, and on the right the furnace. Samples are introduced through the autosampler on top. This system is used for oxygen isotope work on solids and µl amounts of fluids.
	The Eurovector Elemental Analyzer. This system is used to determine the CNS contents and isotopic ratios of solid samples. The grey box on the left is the switchover valve controlling which system feeds into the mass-spec.
	Gas Bench
	Weighing  Station