Compound-specific Stable Isotope Analysis: RSC [Hardcover]

Compound-specific Stable Isotope Analysis (CSIA) is a technique that is increasingly used in many areas of science and technology for source allocation, authentication, and characterization of transformation reactions. However, there are no textbooks for students with an analytical chemical background or basic introductory books emphasising the instrumentation and the theoretical background. This book is a textbook but is also aimed at more advanced scientists working in this research area. In the first half of the book, general topics and fundamentals such as stable isotopes, isotopic fractionation terminology and notation as well as instrumental equipment for stable isotope analysis and referencing are covered. In the second half, applications of CSIA in different scientific fields are discussed.The use of Compound-specific Stable Isotope Analysis (CSIA) is increasing in many areas of science and technology for source allocation, authentication, and characterization of transformation reactions. Until now, there have been no textbooks available for students with an analytical chemical background or basic introductory books emphasising the instrumentation and theory. This book is the first to focus solely on stable isotope analysis of individual compounds in sometimes complex mixtures. It acts as both a lecture companion for students and a consultant for advanced scientists in fields including forensic and environmental science. The book starts with a brief history of the field before going on to explain stable isotopes from scratch. The different ways to express isotope abundances are introduced together with isotope effects and isotopic fractionation. A detailed account of the required technical equipment and general procedures for CSIA is provided. This includes sections on derivatization and the use of microextraction techniques in GC-IRMS. The very important topic of referencing and calibration in CSIA is clearly described. This differs from approaches used in l£3