Interlaboratory assessment of nitrous oxide isotopomer analysis by isotope ratio mass spectrometry and laser spectroscopy: current status and perspectives. (30th September 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mohn, Joachim; Wolf, Benjamin; Toyoda, Sakae; Lin, Cheng‐Ting; Liang, Mao‐Chang; 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
• Is Part Of: Rapid communications in mass spectrometry. Volume 28:Number 18(2014)
• Page Start: 1995
• Page End: 2007
• Publication Date: 2014-09-30
• Subjects: Mass spectrometry -- Periodicals; 543.65
• DOI: 10.1002/rcm.6982
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0951-4198

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec id="rcm6982-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>RATIONALE</title> <p>In recent years, research and applications of the N<sub>2</sub>O site‐specific nitrogen isotope composition have advanced, reflecting awareness of the contribution of N<sub>2</sub>O to the anthropogenic greenhouse effect, and leading to significant progress in instrument development. Further dissemination of N<sub>2</sub>O isotopomer analysis, however, is hampered by a lack of internationally agreed gaseous N<sub>2</sub>O reference materials and an uncertain compatibility of different laboratories and analytical techniques.</p> </sec> <sec id="rcm6982-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>METHODS</title> <p>In a first comparison approach, eleven laboratories were each provided with N<sub>2</sub>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<sub>2</sub>O isotopocule data for T, REF1 and REF2. Results for T were then standardised using REF1 and REF2 to evaluate the potential of N<sub>2</sub>O reference materials for improving compatibility between laboratories.</p> </sec> <sec id="rcm6982-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>RESULTS</title> <p>Compatibility between laboratories depended on the analytical technique: isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) results showed better compatibility for <italic>δ</italic><sup>15</sup>N values, while the performance of laser spectroscopy was superior with respect to N<sub>2</sub>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<sub>2</sub>O isotopomer data significantly improved the consistency of position‐dependent nitrogen isotope data while the effect on <italic>δ</italic><sup>15</sup>N values was only minor.</p> </sec> <sec id="rcm6982-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>CONCLUSIONS</title> <p>The study reveals that for future research on N<sub>2</sub>O isotopocules, standardisation against N<sub>2</sub>O reference material is essential to improve interlaboratory compatibility. For atmospheric monitoring activities, we suggest N<sub>2</sub>O in whole air as a unifying scale anchor. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.</p> </sec> </abstract>