Water Isotope Measurements

Unleash the power of water isotope measurements with Picarro CRDS analyzers. Picarro CRDS analyzers are the only simple, turnkey instruments that simultaneously deliver high precision values for both δ¹⁸O and δD without extensive sample prep. The water cycle, or hydrologic cycle, encompasses the dynamic flow of water between various modalities located on, above and below the surface of the earth, including oceans, groundwater, atmospheric water vapor, and ice. Better and more detailed understanding of the water cycle is critical to unraveling water's role as a greenhouse gas as well predicting negative consequences of climate change such as droughts and floods. Stable isotope ratios, both δ¹⁸O and δD, are critical data in this endeavor.

Limnology. Picarro CRDS analyzers are used in the study of inland lakes and reservoirs and their role in overall water cycles. Lab and field data from Picarro CRDS analyzers track the effects of biological processes and physical processes such as rainfall and evaporation.

Food Origin. Picarro CRDS analyzers are used to identify a unique isotope ratio "fingerprint" for foods derived from water absorbed by plants or animals living in this location. That fingerprint can be used to verify claims of geographic origin and map food products back to suppliers.

Oceanography. Isotopic ratios can provide unique information about the flow of ocean water. Picarro CRDS analyzers can directly monitor briny samples without any risk of salt build-up inside the instrument.

Atmospheric Water Vapor. Picarro CRDS analyzers are ideal for both laboratory research and field measurements. Moreover, they are truly portable and can make real-time measurement at full precision while carried on a truck, boat, or plane.

Ice Core Analysis. Several leading laboratories have selected Picarro CRDS analyzers to replace IRMS as frontline tools analyzing ice cores. These provide critical data about climate history, most notably temperature and precipitation.