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Interlaboratory assessment of nitrous oxide isotopomer analysis by isotope ratio mass spectrometry and laser spectroscopy: current status and perspectives
Author(s) -
Mohn Joachim,
Wolf Benjamin,
Toyoda Sakae,
Lin ChengTing,
Liang MaoChang,
Brüggemann Nicolas,
Wissel Holger,
Steiker Amy E.,
Dyckmans Jens,
Szwec Lars,
Ostrom Nathaniel E.,
Casciotti Karen L.,
Forbes Matthew,
Giesemann Anette,
Well Reinhard,
Doucett Richard R.,
Yarnes Chris T.,
Ridley Anna R.,
Kaiser Jan,
Yoshida Naohiro
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
rapid communications in mass spectrometry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.528
H-Index - 136
eISSN - 1097-0231
pISSN - 0951-4198
DOI - 10.1002/rcm.6982
Subject(s) - compatibility (geochemistry) , chemistry , isotope ratio mass spectrometry , isotopomers , nitrous oxide , mass spectrometry , isotope , environmental chemistry , spectroscopy , analytical chemistry (journal) , chemical engineering , chromatography , molecule , organic chemistry , physics , quantum mechanics , engineering
RATIONALE In recent years, research and applications of the N 2 O site‐specific nitrogen isotope composition have advanced, reflecting awareness of the contribution of N 2 O to the anthropogenic greenhouse effect, and leading to significant progress in instrument development. Further dissemination of N 2 O isotopomer analysis, however, is hampered by a lack of internationally agreed gaseous N 2 O reference materials and an uncertain compatibility of different laboratories and analytical techniques. METHODS In a first comparison approach, eleven laboratories were each provided with N 2 O at tropospheric mole fractions (target gas T) and two reference gases (REF1 and REF2). The laboratories analysed all gases, applying their specific analytical routines. Compatibility of laboratories was assessed based on N 2 O isotopocule data for T, REF1 and REF2. Results for T were then standardised using REF1 and REF2 to evaluate the potential of N 2 O reference materials for improving compatibility between laboratories. RESULTS Compatibility between laboratories depended on the analytical technique: isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) results showed better compatibility for δ 15 N values, while the performance of laser spectroscopy was superior with respect to N 2 O site preference. This comparison, however, is restricted by the small number of participating laboratories applying laser spectroscopy. Offset and two‐point calibration correction of the N 2 O isotopomer data significantly improved the consistency of position‐dependent nitrogen isotope data while the effect on δ 15 N values was only minor. CONCLUSIONS The study reveals that for future research on N 2 O isotopocules, standardisation against N 2 O reference material is essential to improve interlaboratory compatibility. For atmospheric monitoring activities, we suggest N 2 O in whole air as a unifying scale anchor. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.