The Stable Isotope Lab (ENRI SIL) is a state-of-the-art analytical facility that quantifies stable isotope ratios to assist researchers studying processes on short and long time scales. The lab utilizes two ThermoFinnigan Continuous Flow Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometers (Delta Plus XP and Delta Advantage V) with four gas preparation systems for the measurement of the stable isotopes of hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur (δD, δ¹³C, δ¹⁵N, δ¹⁸O and δ³⁴S) on a diversity of natural samples (plant, animal, soil, sediment, water, and atmospheric gas). The lab also employs three Picarro Wavelength Scanned Cavity Ring-Down Spectrometers for the measurement of the stable isotopes of hydrogen and oxygen in liquid water samples.  The lab is currently capable of accommodating natural abundance samples for all the species mentioned above. ENRI SIL is also able to analyze liquid water samples enriched in δD, δ¹⁸O or both.

Operations are conducted by lab manager John Ferguson. To contact the Stable Isotope Lab, please email uaa_isotope@alaska.edu.