Bulk

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about bulk samples

1. How much sample material should I weigh out?

2. How is the quantity of N and C in a sample determined?

3. Why do samples need to be dry before C, N, d¹³C, and d¹⁵N analyses?

4. I dried my samples xx days/weeks/months ago before I ground them. Do I have to dry them again before I weigh them into tin capsules for C, N, d¹³C, and d¹⁵N analyses?

5. What about for d¹⁸O analysis?

6. How small (or large) can my d¹⁵N or d¹³C sample be while still giving a reliable result?

7. How are the d¹⁵N and d¹³C measurements referenced to the international AIR-N2 and VPDB scales?

8. How are the d¹⁸O measurements on solids referenced to the international VSMOW scale?

9. Should I prepare analytical replicates of my samples (multiple capsules from the same individual biological or field replicate)?

10. How small can my d¹⁸O sample be while still giving a reliable result?

Do you have a question that you don't see answered here? Send me an email to let me know.