Lab: Stable Isotope Laboratory

Managed by Drs. Mark Conrad and Mahdav Machavaram
Bldg 70A, rooms 4413, 4419, 4425, 4431, LBNL

The Center for Isotope Geochemistry stable isotope laboratory conducts basic and applied geochemical research using the isotope ratios of light elements including hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen and chlorine. Current projects include studies within the areas of biogeochemical processes, ground water and vadose zone hydrology, environmental restoration, the water cycle, and nuclear waste isolation. Stable isotope facilities include a dual-inlet VG Prism Series II isotope ratio mass spectrometer with automated prep systems for measuring the isotope ratios of carbonate minerals and oxygen and hydrogen isotope ratios of waters. There is also a Micromass Isoprime mass spectrometer designed for continuous flow techniques with a GC-combustion system and a trace gas pre-concentration system. Both of the Isoprime prep systems include auto-sampling devices. In addition, there are both conventional and laser fluorination lines for analyzing the oxygen isotope compositions of silicate and oxide minerals, and vacuum lines used for extraction of water from soil and plant material and off-line preparation of samples for carbon and nitrogen isotope measurements.