Determination of Organic Carbon and Nitrogen in Marine Sediments

26th JANUARY 2011 - Exeter Analytical has published an optimised technique for direct determination of organic carbon and nitrogen in marine sediments.

The filter based technique, using an Exeter Analytical Model 440 CHN Elemental Analyser, provides rapid and routine analysis of marine sediments, results are expressed in micrograms of Carbon and Nitrogen detected simplifying the calculation process. Analytical sensitivity is less than 1 microgram.

The Exeter Analytical Model 440 is a static combustion system, with a unique horizontal furnace design, which enables easy removal of filter and sample ash between each sediment analysis. Consequently one combustion tube will analyse in excess of 1000 sediment samples without the need for removal and cleaning. In addition the Model 440 provides the capacity to process filters up to 47 mm in diameter in one analytical cycle. By comparison other elemental analysers, employing vertical furnace designs, need cleaning after as little as 20 samples and larger filters have to be sub sampled several times and then corrective calculations made to enable analysis. Effectively eliminating troublesome residue build-up the gas flow characteristics of the Model 440 analyser are superior to other elemental analysers thereby providing longer-term calibration stability as well as enhanced accuracy and precision for measured sample data.

As the Exeter Analytical Model 440 provides complete control over combustion parameters it is able to reproducibly achieve 100% combustion with the widest range of sediment samples. For sediment samples with low levels of Nitrogen in the 0.1-0.2% range, proprietary Nitrogen analysis software uniquely enables accurate measurement at these levels with a high degree of accuracy.

For further information please contact Exeter Analytical on +44-2476-323223 / +1-978-251-1411 or email [email protected].

As a company dedicated to elemental microanalysis, Exeter Analytical's 25 years of involvement with instruments, consumables and supplies has allowed them to better understand the whole problem facing microanalysts. As a consequence whether you are a regular or an occasional purchaser, experienced and knowledgeable staff is always available to provide technical advice.

European HQ
Exeter Analytical (UK) Ltd.
University of Warwick Science Park
Barclays Venture Centre
Sir William Lyons Road
Coventry CV4 7 EZ
UK
Tel.: +44-2476-323223
Fax: +44-2476-323221
Email: [email protected]

North America HQ
Exeter Analytical Inc.
Chelmsford, MA USA
Tel.: +1-978-251-1411
Fax: +1-978-251-4536
Email: [email protected]