Dataset: Effects of sample volume on N2O recovery and isotopic analysis (Biological Nitrogen Isotope Fractionation project)

Methodology: 

Sampling and analytical procedures: 


Effects of sample volume on N2O isotope analyses

Crimp-sealed vials (20 mL) containing incremental volumes (0 to 14 mL) of DIW or NO3--deplete seawater were sparged with N2 gas for 30 minutes, aliquoted with N2O gas (10 nmol N) and equilibrated for ≥ 24 hours. The N2O gas in the vials was then extracted, purified and its N and O isotopic composition analyzed on the isotope ratio mass spectrometer. In a parallel set of experiments conducted at Princeton University, referring to Trial “Bonnie 5nmol”, crimp-sealed vials (20 mL) containing incremental volumes (0 to 9.3 mL) of DIW were sparged with helium gas for 30 minutes, aliquoted with N2O gas (5 nmol N) and equilibrated on a shaker for 2 hours. The N2O gas in the vials was then extracted with an autosampler needle that only penetrated samples ≥ 8.3 mL. N2O thus extracted was purified and its N and O isotopic composition analyzed on an isotope ratio mass spectrometer.