Analytical Services > View by Isotope > Hydrogen

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Hydrogen Isotope Analysis (²H/¹H, or δD)

Hydrogen isotopic compositions can be determined for many types of samples. Water samples are done by reduction of water with zinc metal followed by dual-inlet isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS). Reproducibility is generally 2.0 per mil or better. Hydrogen isotopes can be measured for all C₁ – C₅ hydrocarbons by using the offline prep method with a precision of +/- 2.0 per mil, or by compound-specific analysis (GC-P-IRMS) with a precision of +/- 5.0 per mil.

For organic solids and liquids, samples are analyzed using a Thermal Conversion Elemental Analyzer (TC/EA) interfaced with an isotope ratio mass spectrometer.

*If you do not have this amount of sample available, please contact us.
¹Includes ¹³C analysis
²Requires GC analysis

Tritium Analysis (³H)

Tritium analysis of groundwater is done by radiometric measurement of the water. Landfill leachates or other samples with concentrations of 15 TU or higher, are analyzed by direct counting of the purified water. Detection levels of 1 TU are achieved by electrolytic enrichment of the sample, followed by radiometric analysis.

Tritium analysis of methane is done by combusting large quantities of methane (> 5 liters), followed by radiometric measurement of the water from combustion.

¹ Price includes ¹⁴C analysis of methane
² Requires GC analysis
³ Total sample amount depends on methane concentration: i.e., methane concentration of 50%, requires 10 liters sample.