MRI RAPID: Development of a gas preparation system for the triple isotopic composition of dissolved oxygen and O2/Ar in the northern Gulf of Mexico oil spill region

Michigan State University, East Lansing MI

Investigators

Abstract

The PI requests MRI RAPID funding to develop a gas preparation system (GPS) that will accomplish the extraction and purification of O2+Ar and N2 for high precision isotope and gas ratio analysis. The GPS is not commercially available, will be developed following the design of Barkan and Luz (2003), and will greatly increase the efficiency and total numbers of samples that can be analyzed for the triple isotopic composition of O2 and gas ratios. Broader Impacts A long term understanding of hypoxia in the Northern Gulf of Mexico and other regions impacted by oil spills will enhance society?s ability to predict and better respond to the ecological consequences of this and similar disasters. The instrumentation developed in this proposal will be available to MSU and outside researchers through collaborations, subcontracts and our biannual short course on Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry. The PI's have an extensive track record for involving graduate and undergraduate students in the BASL with support from a variety of sources.