A novel high‐temperature combustion based system for stable isotope analysis of dissolved organic carbon in aqueous samples. I: development and validation

Abstract

The novel HTC system coupled to an isotope ratio mass spectrometer resulted in significantly improved sensitivity. The system is suitable for salt-containing liquids and compounds that are resistant to oxidation, and it offers a large concentration range. A second paper (which follows this one in this issue) will present a more comprehensive assessment of the analytical performance with a broad set of solutions and real samples. This highly efficient TOC stable isotopic analyzer will probably open up new possibilities in biogeochemical carbon cycle research.