Stable Isotopes

Atoms of one element with different weights

Atoms are made of protons, electrons and neutrons. The elements of the period table are as atoms often distributed in a natural occurring isotope pattern. Isotopes are atoms with the same number of protons and electrons but a different number of neutrons and thus have different weights.

Isotopes are differentiated in stable and radioactive isotopes. While radioactive isotopes like 60Co radiate and thus decay, stable isotopes like 12C or 13C do not change.
That is the reason why stable isotopes occur in a natural distribution pattern.
Analysis of isotope patterns and comparison to  standards allows conclusions about different accumulation scenarios in the metabolism of plants and animals.

Substances

  • Measure for the enrichment of the stable nitrogen isotope 15N in the food web
  • Measure for the enrichment of the stable carbon isotope 13C in the food web

Specimen

Sampling area

Sampling period

1988 - 2024