School of Plant Biology

The WABC is well equipped for terrestrial and marine studies in biogeochemistry and offers a range of analytical and interpretive services to researchers both within UWA and in the broader scientific community.

The WABC has four isotope ratio mass spectrometers (IRMS) plus access to a considerable range of further analytical instrumentation (GC, HPLC, CE and autoanalyser). Our IRMS are coupled with a variety of sample preparation modules to facilitate analysis of a broad range of sample matrices.

With the array of IRMS available in the WABC, analyses of d¹³C and d¹⁵N in soils, plants and in animal matter are routine. We can also provide analyses of d¹³C and d¹⁸O of carbonate, and d²H and d¹⁸O in waters and in solid samples. We also have facilities for high precision isotope analysis of atmospheric trace gases such as N₂0, CH₄, and CO₂.

These analyses are now central to studies such as:

• aging and characterizing of geological materials
• organic matter decomposition in soils and sediments
• identification of nitrogen sources for plant, fungal growth
• tracing of trophic webs (or food webs)
• identification of sources of production of trace gases (especially greenhouse gases)
• identification of the sources of major pollutants
• tracing sources of water used by plants
• identification of food sources of a wide range of animals and humans
• nitrogen fixation in symbiotic plants