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Updated: May 16, 2026

Characterization, Quantification and Compound-specific Isotopic Analysis of Pyrogenic Carbon Using Benzene Polycarboxylic Acids (BPCA)
Published on: May 16, 2016
High-Resolution, Continuous Stable Carbon Isotope Analysis of Complex Organic Matter via Online Ramped
Yipeng Wang1,2, Mingzhi Liu1,2, Yupeng Cao3
1Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, Key Laboratory of Marine Chemistry Theory and Technology, Ministry of Education/Institute for Advanced Ocean Studies, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China.
This study introduces a new method combining pyrolysis and spectroscopy to analyze carbon isotopes in sediments. It reveals distinct carbon sources within complex mixtures, improving our understanding of ocean carbon sinks.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Geochemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Sedimentary organic carbon (OC) plays a crucial role in ocean carbon sinks.
- Bulk OC isotope analysis (δ13C) limits understanding of heterogeneous mixtures.
- Isotopic heterogeneity within OC impacts source attribution and reactivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a method for high-resolution, continuous δ13C measurements during thermal decomposition.
- To investigate the OC reactivity continuum by analyzing temperature-δ13C profiles.
- To improve source attribution of heterogeneous OC mixtures in marine sediments.
Main Methods:
- Coupling ramped pyrolysis/oxidation (RPO) with cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS).
- Continuous online δ13C measurements of evolved CO2.
- Analysis of distinct δ13C trajectories for labile, resistant, and refractory OC fractions.
Main Results:
- Successful implementation of RPO-CRDS for high-resolution δ13C profiling.
- Resolved distinct isotopic signatures for different OC reactivity fractions.
- Demonstrated application in East China Sea and Japan Trench sediments.
Conclusions:
- The RPO-CRDS method provides novel insights into OC heterogeneity and source attribution.
- This technique enhances understanding of carbon cycling and stability in marine environments.
- The workflow is adaptable for diverse environmental matrices like soils and aerosols.
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