CO2 Analysers Aid 13C Isotope Content Analysis

The Macaulay Institute, a land-use research centre in Aberdeen, has purchased two Picarro isotopic CO2 analysers from Enviro Technology for its worldwide research programme. The analysers are being used for the institute's field campaigns, which look at the 13C isotope content of CO2 that leaves the soil surface. By measuring the 13C content, researchers can tell more about where the CO2 comes from and whether it is new carbon respired by plant roots or older carbon associated with the turnover of soil organic matter - this distinction can have important implications for the global carbon cycle.

The use of these analysers has improved the way that the institute has collected, stored and analysed data during these campaigns. Dr Andy Midwood from the Macaulay Institute said: 'During previous campaigns, we collected literally hundreds of gas samples in small vials, then shipped them back to Aberdeen for analysis. 'On more than one occasion, there have been problems and we lost valuable information due to leakages or faults.

'Now, with the Picarros, we analyse as we go. 'We can see how the data looks, make changes to our measurement criteria and generally make sure the experiments go as planned. 'This is only possible because the Picarro is so portable, in terms of size, power consumption and ease of operation,' he added.

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