|
a more comprehensive site is forthcoming…. |
||||||
|
Smithsonian Institution
OUSS/MCI Stable Isotope Mass
Spectrometry Facility Supporting Excellence in
Smithsonian Science Mass Spectroscopy Initiative Mission
Statement To provide
SI researchers and their students with high-quality scientific tools that
encourages and produces outstanding research in the sciences, history, arts
and culture that builds upon Smithsonian collections and areas of intellectual
expertise. During the past
twenty years, the development and widespread proliferation of modern mass
spectrometers has made the task of measuring the masses and relative
concentrations of atoms and molecules at high precision (in both organic and
inorganic compounds) a reality at most major research institutions throughout
the United States. The availability of modern mass spectrometers offers
researchers access to a wealth of new scientific knowledge, with much of it
based on subtle variations in composition caused by a variety of physical and
chemical mechanisms in nature. In recognition of this need, the Smithsonian
Institution’s Office of the Undersecretary for Science, in collaboration with
the Museum Conservation Institute, formed a Mass Spectrometry Advisory Panel
tasked with the goal of identification, acquisition, and development of
scientific instrumentation that will meet the research requirements of the
broadest segment of SI researchers and their students. In early
discussions with OUSS, MCI, and the Advisory Panel, it was recognized that
the most critical and immediate need was a pan-institutional laboratory
capable of high-precision measurements of isotopes of carbon, nitrogen,
oxygen, hydrogen, and sulfur (C, N, O, H, S). These elements naturally occur
as two or more stable (non-radioactive) isotopes. Isotopic variations arising
from mass-dependent isotopic fractionation in organic and inorganic
substances can be used to trace the pathways and forms that these key
elements take as they are transferred and cycled within biological and
geochemical systems. Measurements of stable isotope ratios in soils and plant
samples are used to reconstruct past climates and vegetation, evaluate
physiological responses of wild and domesticated plants (and animals),
characterize energy and material transfers and transformations among plant,
animal, and microbial components of ecosystems, and understand
atmosphere-biosphere interactions. Stable isotopes record information on
biological and physical processes operating across space and time, and thus
are useful in integrative studies that span disciplines and levels of
biological organization. Rapid and precise stable isotope analysis of solid, liquid,
and gaseous materials is fundamental to many studies in physiology, ecology,
hydrology, earth and atmospheric sciences, and art history and conservation. Funding to support
this initiative was obtained via FY 2007 year-end funding and MCI, with support
from OUSS, took the lead in setting set up a central laboratory with two
stable isotope ratio mass spectrometers and associated peripherals. A
contractor was hired in May 2008 to oversee the initial setup and operation
of the instruments. Both instruments were installed in June 2008. A full time
scientist was subsequently hired by MCI in November 2008 to oversee
day-to-day operation of the laboratory. Both instruments are now on-line and
fully operational. |
||||||
Who is eligible? Use of the Smithsonian
Institution OUSS/MCI Stable Isotope Mass Spectrometry Facility is reserved
for all SI staff, fellows and research affiliates. At this time we
cannot accept samples or projects from outside of the Smithsonian. MCI has staff available
provide oversight and assistance with sample preparation. Lab space for
sample preparation is available at MCI. What is the cost? Samples currently are
accepted for analysis at no charge, but a modest fee-per-sample charge to
support the lab may be implemented at some point in the future. Sample Submission Please contact Christine France or Jeff Speakman before sending samples for
analysis. We cannot analyze labeled
(isotopically enriched) samples at this time. IRMS Sample Submission Instructions: Ø Samples for EA Bulk Analysis Ø Samples for TC/EA Bulk Analysis |
||||||
|
Contact Information For further information
regarding the Smithsonian Institution OUSS/MCI Stable Isotope Mass
Spectrometry Facility, please contact Peter
Marra, Christine France, or Jeff
Speakman |
