Diffusive gradients in thin films measurement of sulfur stable isotope variations in labile soil sulfate

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

Authors

  • Ondrej Hanousek
  • Sean Mason
  • Torsten W. Berger
  • Walter W. Wenzel

External Organisational units

  • University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences
  • BOKU
  • University of Adelaide

Abstract

A diffusive gradient in thin films (DGT) technique, based on a strongly basic anion exchange resin (Amberlite IRA-400), was successfully tested for 34S/32S analysis in labile soil sulfate. Separation of matrix elements (Na, K, and Ca) that potentially cause non-spectral interferences in 34S/32S analysis by MC ICP-MS (multi-collector inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry) during sampling of sulfate was demonstrated. No isotopic fractionation caused by diffusion or elution of sulfate was observed below a resin gel disc loading of ≤79 μg S. Above this threshold, fractionation towards 34S was observed. The method was applied to 11 different topsoils and one mineral soil profile (0–100 cm depth) and compared with soil sulfate extraction by water. The S amount and isotopic ratio in DGT-S and water-extractable sulfate correlated significantly (r2 = 0.89 and r2 = 0.74 for the 11 topsoils, respectively). The systematically lower 34S/32S isotope ratios of the DGT-S were ascribed to mineralization of organic S.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)8333-8341
Number of pages9
JournalAnalytical and bioanalytical chemistry
Volume408.2016
Issue number29
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 29 Sept 2016
Externally publishedYes