Bad solid sample

Good solid sample

Bad filter (left), good filter (right)

Find a sample request form on our Home Page

Biogeochemical Stable Isotope Facility

School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology

To contact us:

Lab Phone: 808-956-5362

Fax: 808-956-5512

Lab Email: isobiogeo@soest.hawaii.edu

 

Important tips for prepping samples for EA analysis

· Be sure to dry completely...water can affect our machine and the data won't be reliable! 

· Samples must be ground to a fine, homogeneous powder.  This ensures that the sample weighed, which can often be small (i.e. tenths of a milligram), will be a complete representation of the entire sample.  

· Try your best to constrain the carbon and nitrogen estimates...this ensures that when you weigh your sample or take your sample, you will have an optimal amount of carbon and nitrogen.

· We must be notified for special procedures, such as acidification of sample (filters or solid samples)

· If acidifying samples, be sure to use silver capsules

· Nicely wrapped samples will be tight and secure.  Avoid edges sticking out or flat configurations, as they can get caught in the autosampler and create serious problems (please see pictures at  right for example).

· Please tell us if the sample is isotopically labeled!