Stable Isotope Analysis of Greenhouse Gases Requires Analyte Preconcentration

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is an important trace gas contributing to global warming and depletion of ozone in the stratosphere. Its increasing abundance caused mainly by anthropogenic sources, such as application fertilizers agriculture or emissions from industry. To understand N2O budget, its sources sinks need be well-described quantified. In this project, a new method for source appointment was developed that can help with task. The based on analysis eight most abundant isotopic molecules N2O, using quantum cascade laser absorption spectroscopy (QCLAS). applicability towards biogeochemical cycle demonstrated prominent (bacterial denitrification) sink (UV photolysis) samples prepared laboratory experiments. An extension QCLAS natural achieved hyphenation preconcentration technique increases concentration analyte standardizes sample matrix. This article provides overview currently applied techniques field greenhouse-gas description device TREX will employed future projects method.