Center for Environmental Stable Isotope Analysis (CESIA)

The Center for Environmental Stable Isotope Analysis (CESIA) is a shared facility that provides a wide range of sample preparation and analytical services, including stable isotope measurements, elemental analyses, and black carbon measurements in various environmental matrices. CESIA users include researchers and students from various institutions, including multiple departments and centers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and external collaborators. The facility currently supports three isotope ratio mass spectrometers and a quadrupole mass analyzer, including:

  • Isoprime 100 IRMS with a dual inlet and Multiprep peripheral unit

  • Micromass Isoprime IRMS with an Elementar vario ISOTOPE Select elemental analyzer

  • Pfeiffer residual gas analyzer, a stand-alone quadrupole MS with custom high-vacuum line for analyzing mineral-hosted gases

  • Dionex UltiMate 3000 HPLC coupled to a Thermo Fisher Delta V IRMS via an LC-Isolink for compound-specific isotopic analysis of black carbon (BPCAs)

Services and Rates

Analysis

Carbon and Oxygen Isotope Analysis of Carbonates

Carbon and Nitrogen Isotope Analysis of Organic Matter

Compound-Specific Isotope Analysis of Black Carbon (BPCAs)

Quantification of Black Carbon (BPCAs)

Dissolved Organic Carbon and Total Dissolved Nitrogen

Internal Rate

External Rate

$18

$25

$88

$59

$27

$11

$15

$54

$36

$17

Contact

Morgan Schaller

Director

schall@rpi.edu

(518) 276-3358

Primary contact for bulk stable isotopes of carbonates and organic matter

Sasha Wagner

Associate Director

wagnes3@rpi.edu

(518) 276-3075

Primary contact for black carbon and BPCA-specific stable isotopes, dissolved organic carbon and nitrogen

We’re hiring!

Lab Manager

We are looking for someone with isotope ratio analytical experience who will maintain instrumentation, develop new methods and applications, analyze samples as needed, train users on proper techniques, and oversee day-to-day operation of the lab.

Contact Morgan Schaller if you are interested!