Ecology
IT2 offers a comprehensive suite of stable isotope analyses that support ecological research and environmental studies. Our services provide insights into food webs, nutrient cycling, wildlife movement, and environmental changes in both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
We can analyze a wide range of sample types, including:
- Soils and sediments
- Aqueous samples
- Gases and filtered materials
- Organic materials from plants and animals
Benefits of Isotope Analysis in Ecology
Food Web and Trophic Level Studies
- Determine trophic relationships and energy flow within ecosystems.
- Assess predator-prey interactions and ecosystem dynamics using δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N analysis.
Nutrient and Contaminant Source Apportionment
- Identify the sources of nutrients and environmental contaminants in terrestrial and aquatic systems.
- Evaluate nitrogen and carbon cycling using δ¹³C, δ¹⁵N, and δ¹⁸O analyses.
Wildlife Movement and Migration Tracking
- Trace the movement of migratory species by analyzing isotopic signatures in tissues or excreta.
- Study habitat use and connectivity for conservation planning.
Plant and Soil Nutrient Status
- Investigate carbon and nitrogen content in soils, plants, and animals.
- Determine photosynthetic pathways (C3, C4, CAM) using δ¹³C to assess plant productivity.
Paleoecological and Paleoenvironmental Reconstruction
- Reconstruct past ecological conditions using isotopic data from sediments and organic materials.
- Assess historical nutrient dynamics and ecosystem productivity.