Stable isotope analysis helps to understand hydrogeological mechanisms

Water is the most precious resource for civilization and every person should expect access to a clean, safe water supply. Delivering this basic right, however, is not trivial where many of the poor live in water-stressed or polluted environments. Understanding the hydrogeological mechanisms of water flow through watersheds and groundwater systems is, therefore, essential in trying to secure the access to water that populations, agriculture, wildlife, and industry need in order to prosper.

Stable oxygen and hydrogen analysis of environmental waters can provide a unique understanding and characterization of many hydrogeological systems. Determination of these isotopes gain an understanding of reservoir residence times, groundwater recharge rates, and mixing models. Stable isotopes analysis also helps constrain river basin dynamics in catchment hydrology to aid water management and develop strategies for extreme weather events and reducing the impact of droughts.

Groundwater contains many components such as organics or salts. Using a headspace equilibration technique allows the δ¹⁸O and δ²H isotopes to be analyzed whilst avoiding interference from these other components. Our iso FLOW system provides exceptional headspace analysis performance for these samples.

The fastest and simplest analysis of freshwater samples is via direct injection of the sample into a furnace system. Our vario PYRO cube® elemental analyzer equipped with the vario LIQUID sampler allows δ¹⁸O and δ²H isotope analysis separately or sequentially for the fastest throughput. Using the ChromeHD technique of the vario PYRO cube uniquely offers the highest precision δ²H measurement possible.

Beyond oxygen and hydrogen isotopes measurements, analysis of the dissolved organic carbon, inorganic carbon, and organic nitrogen can provide valuable insight into primary productivity in freshwater ecosystems as well as polluting anthropogenic inputs. Our new iso TOC® cube is the only system able to analyze both carbon and nitrogen isotopes in water samples at low concentrations.