Stable Isotope Lab

Stable isotope techniques have become integral parts in modern hydrology and contribute to gain detailed insights into the water cycle. Based on isotope data, conclusions on ground water recharge, water origin, and water age can be drawn.

The laboratory for stable isotopes is specialized in measurements of water stable isotope ratios of hydrogen (²H/¹H) and oxygen (¹⁸O/¹⁶O), (¹⁷O/¹⁶O) in the liquid and the vapor phase. It is equipped with mass spectrometry (IRMS) and state-of-the-art laser absorption spectroscopy instrumentation like tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS) and cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS).

Analytical Capabilities

Analysis of water stable isotopes in liquid samples with IRMS coupled to EQ-Unit (δ ¹⁸O) and H-Device (δ ²H).

Simultaneous analysis of δ ¹⁸O and δ ²H in liquid samples (TDLAS).

Simultaneous analysis of δ ¹⁸O and δ ²H in liquid and vapor samples (CRDS: Picarro L1102-i, L2120-i, L2130-i).

Simultaneous analysis of δ ¹⁸O, δ ¹⁷O and δ ²H in liquid and vapor samples (CRDS: Picarro L2140-i).

Lab Inter-Comparison

IAEA WICO

Soil-water extraction

IRMS Finnigan MAT Delta S Dual Inlet

TDLAS LGR DLT-100

CRDS Picarro L2120-i

CRDS Picarro L2130-i

CRDS Picarro L2140-i

Soil water extraction
via cryogenic vacuum extraction