Title Page 

Determination of the δ2H and δ18O 

of Soil Water and Water in Plant 

Matter; RSIL Lab Code 1700

Chapter 19 of

Section C, Stable Isotope-Ratio Methods 

Book 10, Methods of the Reston Stable Isotope 

Laboratory 

Techniques and Methods 10–C19 

U.S. Department of the Interior

U.S. Geological Survey
This page left blank intentionally.
Determination of the δ2

H and δ18O 

of Soil Water and Water in Plant 

Matter; RSIL Lab Code 1700

By Kinga M. Révész, Bryan Buck, and Tyler B. Coplen 

Chapter 19 of 

Section C, Stable Isotope-Ratio Methods 

Book 10, Methods of the Reston Stable Isotope 

Laboratory 

Edited by Kinga Révész and Tyler B. Coplen

U.S. Department of the Interior

U.S. Geological Survey

Techniques and Methods 10–C19
U.S. Department of the Interior

KEN SALAZAR, Secretary

U.S. Geological Survey 

Marcia K. McNutt, Director

U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia: 2012

For sale by U.S. Geological Survey, Information Services

Box 25286, Denver Federal Center

Denver, CO 80225

For more information about the USGS and its products:

Telephone: 1–888–ASK–USGS

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Any use of trade, product, or firm names in this publication is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply 

endorsement by the U.S. Government.

Although this report is in the public domain, permission must be secured from the individual copyright owners to 

reproduce any copyrighted material contained within this report.

Suggested citation:

Révész, Kinga, Buck, Bryan, and Coplen, T.B., 2012, Determination of the δ

2

H and δ

18O of soil water and water in plant 

matter; RSIL lab code1700, chap. 19 of Stable isotope-ratio methods, sec. C of Révész, Kinga, and Coplen, T.B. eds., 

Methods of the Reston Stable Isotope Laboratory: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques and Methods, book 10, 21 p., 

available only at http://pubs.usgs.gov/tm/10c19/. 
iii

Foreword 

The Reston Stable Isotope Laboratory (RSIL) provides stable isotope analyses on a routine basis 

for a large user community within the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and elsewhere. The RSIL 

also serves the USGS National Research Program (NRP) through its project on Stable Isotope 

Fractionation in Hydrologic Processes. The NRP conducts basic and problem-oriented hydrologic 

research in support of the mission of the USGS. The Stable Isotope Fractionation in Hydrologic 

Processes project conducts research on the use of isotope-ratio measurements in studies of 

water resources and environmental quality. One objective of this project is to develop new 

techniques for isotopic analysis of hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, carbon, and sulfur in 

environmental samples. New analytical techniques expand the range of tools available for 

studying the movement of those elements in hydrologic and biogeochemical systems. Another 

objective of the project is to test new applications of isotope measurements in specific field 

settings. Field studies of isotope behavior have contributed to understanding water-supply 

sustainability, groundwater/surface-water interactions, paleoclimate history, biologic cycling of 

nutrients, groundwater contamination, and natural remediation. This project also contributes to 

the improvement of measurement science and the development of isotope databases.

Book 10 of the Techniques and Methods series of the USGS contains detailed descriptions of 

methods of the RSIL, including routine analytical methods called standard operating procedures 

(SOPs), along with safety guidelines, maintenance procedures, and other information about the 

operation of the RSIL. Section C of book 10 contains the SOPs for a variety of methods to 

measure stable isotope ratios, each of which constitutes a chapter. Each chapter is limited to a 

narrow field of subject matter to permit flexibility in revision as the need arises.

Pierre Glynn

Chief, Branch of Regional Research, Eastern Region 
This page left blank intentionally.
v 

Contents 

Foreword............................................................................................................................................................ iii

Summary of Procedure.................................................................................................................................... 1

Reporting Units and Operational Range ...................................................................................................... 1

Reference Materials and Documentation ................................................................................................... 2

Reference Materials Used, Storage Requirements, and Shelf Life....................................... 2

Documentation.................................................................................................................................. 3

Labware, Instrumentation, and Reagents ................................................................................................... 3

Sample Collection, Preparation, Analysis, Retention Times, and Disposal.......................................... 4

Sample Containers, Preservation, and Handling Requirements............................................ 4

Data Handling.................................................................................................................................... 4

Problematic Samples....................................................................................................................... 5

Interferences..................................................................................................................................... 5

Troubleshooting and Bench Notes............................................................................................... 6

Maintenance and Maintenance Records................................................................................... 6

Sample Retention Time and Disposal .......................................................................................... 6

Data Acquisition, Processing, Evaluation, Quality Control, and Quality Assurance .......................... 6

Laboratory Information Management System for Light Stable Isotope (LIMS-LSI) .......... 6

Quality Control (QC) Samples......................................................................................................... 7

Acceptance Criteria for All QC Samples ..................................................................................... 7

Uncertainty ........................................................................................................................................ 7

Corrective Action Requirements................................................................................................... 8

Responsible Parties for All QA/QC Functions for Procedures Covered in RSIL SOPs ...... 8

Data Management and Records................................................................................................... 8

Health, Safety, and Waste-Disposal Information....................................................................................... 8

Applicable Health and (or) Safety Issues.................................................................................... 8

Personal Protection ........................................................................................................ 8

Electrical Hazards............................................................................................................ 8

Chemical Hazards............................................................................................................ 9

Gas Cylinder Handling .................................................................................................... 9

Specific Waste-Disposal Requirements ..................................................................................... 9

References Cited............................................................................................................................................. 10

Appendix A. Example of a United States Department of Agriculture Permit to Receive Soil ........ 11

Appendix B. Step-by-Step Procedure to Prepare and Analyze Samples for Distillation ................ 12

Determining How Much Water Is Contained in the Soil Sample......................................... 12

Evaporating Water from the Sample ......................................................................... 12

Weighing Out the Sample ............................................................................................ 12

Drying Samples .............................................................................................................. 12

Calculating Water Content .......................................................................................... 12

Water in Plant Samples ................................................................................................................ 13

Performing the Distillation............................................................................................................ 13

Equipment and Reagents Needed ............................................................................. 13

Distilling the Sample ..................................................................................................... 13

Removing the Toluene.................................................................................................. 14

Preparing for the Next Run.......................................................................................... 14
vi

Figures

1. Diagram of distillation apparatus (Révész and Woods, 1990)......................................................3

2. Specially designed receiving funnel (Révész and Woods, 1990). ...............................................4

B–1. Preparation for determining the water content of sample.........................................................15

B–2. Preparation for determining the water content of the sample with sample to right of 

balance and Petri dish labeled with sample ID.............................................................................15

B–3. Specially designed receiving funnel. ..............................................................................................16

B–4. Variac to control temperature of the heating element................................................................16

B–5. Flask (500-mL) with heavy wall, round bottom, and taper-ground joint...................................17

B–6. Glass-scintillation vial with label. ....................................................................................................17

B–7. Glass rod with O-ring. .........................................................................................................................18

B–8. Condenser (Liebig, 300 mm)...............................................................................................................18

B–9. Electrothermal hemispherical mantle-bottom heater. ................................................................19

B–10. Four-station distillation set up. .........................................................................................................19

B–11. Weighing out samples........................................................................................................................20

B–12. Distillation of soil samples. ................................................................................................................20

B–13. Glass rod with O-ring used to push water drops into distilled water.......................................21

B–14. Set up used to melt wax.....................................................................................................................21

Conversion Factors 

Multiply By To Obtain

Length

micrometer (μm) 0.00003937 inch (in.)

millimeter (mm) 0.03937 inch (in.)

centimeter (cm) 0.3937 inch (in.)

meter (m) 3.281 foot (ft)

Volume

microliter (μL) 0.0610210–3cubic inch (in3)

milliliter (mL) 0.06102 cubic inch (in3)

cubic centimeter (cm3) 0.06102 cubic inch (in3)

liter (L) 61.02 cubic inch (in3)

Mass

nanogram (ng) = 10–3μg 3.527 × 10–11 ounce (oz)

microgram (μg) = 10–3mg 3.527 × 10–8ounce (oz)

milligram (mg) = 10–3g 3.527 × 10–5ounce (oz)

gram (g) = 10–3(kg) 3.527 x 10–2 ounce (oz)

kilogram (kg) = 103g; 106mg; 109μg; 1012 ng 2.205 pound (lb)

Temperature

Celsius (°C) °F = 9/5 (°C) + 32 Fahrenheit (°F)
vii

Acronyms and Abbreviations

ANSI American National Standards Institute

cm centimeter

DI-IRMS dual-inlet isotope-ratio mass spectrometer

DIW deionized water

g gram

HPLC high-performance liquid chromatography

IAEA International Atomic Energy Agency

LIMS-LSI Laboratory Information Management System for Light Stable Isotopes

mm millimeter

mL milliliter

MSDS Material Safety Data Sheet

NFPA National Fire Protection Association

NIST National Institute of Standards and Technology

per mil, ‰ one part in one thousand parts, with value 10–3

QA quality assurance

QC quality control

RSIL Reston Stable Isotope Laboratory

SLAP Standard Light Antarctic Precipitation

SOP standard operating procedure

std international measurement standard

USDA U.S. Department of Agriculture

USGS U.S. Geological Survey

VSMOW Vienna Standard Mean Ocean Water

Symbols

< less than

> greater than

≤ less than or equal to
1

Determination of the δ2H and δ18O of Soil Water and 

Water in Plant Matter; RSIL Lab Code 1700

By Kinga Révész, Bryan Buck, and Tyler B. Coplen

Summary of Procedure

The purpose of the Reston Stable Isotope Laboratory lab code 1700 is to determine the δ(

2

H/1H), 

abbreviated as δ

2

H, and the δ(

18O/16O), abbreviated as δ18O, of soil water and water in plant matter. This 

method is based on the observation that water and toluene form an azeotropic mixture at 84.1 °C. This 

temperature is substantially lower than the boiling points of water (100 °C) and toluene (110 °C), but 

water and toluene are immiscible at ambient temperature. The water content of a soil or plant is 

determined by weighing, drying, and reweighing a small amount of sample. Sufficient sample to collect 3

to 5 milliliters (mL) of water after distillation is loaded into a distillation flask. Sufficient toluene is added 

so that the sample is immersed throughout the entire distillation to minimize evaporation of water, which 

would affect the δ

2

H and δ

18O values. The mixture of sample and toluene is heated in a flask to its boiling 

point (84.1 °C) so that water from the sample and toluene can distill together into a specially designed 

collection funnel. The temperature of 84.1 °C is maintained until the water has been quantitatively 

transferred to the collection funnel, at which time the temperature is raised to the boiling point of the 

remaining component (toluene, 110 °C). The collection funnel is maintained at ambient temperature so 

that the sample water and toluene can be separated physically. After separation, the sample water is 

purified by addition of paraffin wax to the container with the sample water, capping the container, and 

heating to approximately 60 °C to melt the wax. Trace amounts of toluene will dissolve in the wax, 

purifying the sample water for isotopic analysis.

The isotopic composition of the purified water is then determined by equilibration with gaseous 

hydrogen or carbon dioxide, followed by dual-inlet isotope-ratio mass spectrometry. Because laserabsorption spectrometry is sensitive to organic compounds, such as trace toluene remaining in water 

samples, water samples should be analyzed for isotopic composition only by mass spectrometry and not 

by laser-absorption spectrometry.

Reporting Units and Operational Range

Variations in stable isotope ratios typically are small. Stable isotope ratios commonly are measured 

and expressed as the relative difference in the ratio of the number of the less abundant isotope (usually the 

heavy isotope) to the number of the more abundant isotope (usually the light isotope) of a sample with 

respect to the measurement standard, std (Coplen, 2011). This relative difference is designated δ

i

E, which 

is a shortened form of δ(

i

E/jE) or δ(

i

E), and is defined according to equation 1 (Coplen, 2011):

( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )

N( ) N( )

N N N N δ = δ = δ = i j

i j i j

i i i j

std std

P P std std

E E

E E E E E E E E − (1)

where N(

i

E)P and N(

j

E)P are the numbers of the two isotopes iE and jE of element E in specimen P, and 

equivalent parameters follow for the international measurement standard, “std.” A positive δ

i

E value 

indicates that the specimen is enriched in the heavy isotope,

i

E, relative to the std. A negative δ

i

E value 
2

indicates that the specimen is depleted in the heavy isotope,

i

E, relative to the std. For stable hydrogen 

isotopes, δ

2

H (sometimes written in the literature as δD) is defined as follows:

( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )

( ) ( )std

1

std

2

std

1

std

2

P

1

P

2

2 2 2 1

H H

H H H H H H H H

N N

N N N N δ = δ = δ = − (2)

For stable oxygen isotopes, δ

18O is defined as follows:

( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )

( ) ( )std

16

std

18

std

16

std

18

P

16

P

18

18 18 18 16

O O

O O O O O O O O

N N

N N N N δ = δ = δ = − (3)

The international measurement standards for both δ

2

H and δ

18O measurements are Vienna Standard 

Mean Ocean Water (VSMOW) and Standard Light Antarctic Precipitation (SLAP) (Gonfiantini, 1978; 

Coplen, 1994). By interspersing local laboratory isotopic reference waters that were calibrated using 

international reference waters (VSMOW and SLAP) among the unknowns, the δ

2

H and δ

18O values of 

unknown waters can be determined relative to the international measurement standards (Coplen, 1988, 

1996).

The distillation and separation system was tested by analyzing water samples with known δ

2

H and

δ

18O values. The δ2

H and δ

18O values of test samples ranged from approximately –65 to –400 ‰ for 

δ

2

H measurements and from approximately –6.5 to –51.3 ‰ for δ

18O measurements, which 

approximately covers the ranges of δ

2

H and δ

18O of natural water. In addition, the system was tested by 

distilling soil water with known isotopic compositions. The routine analysis requires soil with a mass 

fraction of water of 5 percent or higher; however, with a reduction in accuracy of isotopic measurements, 

the system is capable of analyzing samples with a mass fraction of water as low as 3 percent. The 

accuracies of analytical measurements are similar to those of pure water that does not go through the 

distillation process (2-σ standard deviations of δ

2

H and δ

18O measurements are 2 and 0.2 ‰, respectively). 

Between-sample memory is below detection.

Reference Materials and Documentation

Reference Materials Used, Storage Requirements, and Shelf Life

The standard reference scale used for reporting results of both δ

2

H and δ

18O measurements is the 

VSMOW-SLAP scale (Gonfiantini, 1978; Coplen, 1994), anchored by VSMOW (distributed by the 

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology 

(NIST) of the United States as RM 8535) and SLAP (distributed by the IAEA and by NIST as RM 8537). 

Results expressed relative to the VSMOW-SLAP scale can be identified by the subscript VSMOW-SLAP, 

such as δ

2

HVSMOW-SLAP and δ

18OVSMOW-SLAP. These international measurement standards are assigned exact values of 

δ

2

HVSMOW-SLAP = 0 and –428 ‰, respectively; they are assigned exact values of δ

18OVSMOW-SLAP = 0 and –55.5 ‰, 

respectively. The Reston Stable Isotope Laboratory (RSIL) has calibrated local laboratory waters against 

VSMOW and SLAP reference waters to develop secondary reference materials. Some of the secondary 

reference materials include deionized water (DIW) assigned a δ

18OVSMOW-SLAP value of –6.54 ‰, a second 

DIW reference material assigned a δ

2

HVSMOW-SLAP value of –62.3 ‰, and Antarctic water assigned 

δ

2

HVSMOW-SLAP and δ

18OVSMOW-SLAP values of –399.5 and –51.23 ‰, respectively.
3 

Documentation 

All measurement data for the calibrations are stored in the Laboratory Information Management 

System for Light Stable Isotopes (LIMS-LSI) (Coplen, 2000) under sample identifiers with a prefix of W; 

local laboratory reference waters analyzed daily include W-62000, W-50000, and W-63333, which are 

DIW, DIW, and Antarctic water, respectively.

Labware, Instrumentation, and Reagents

The apparatus for sample preparation of soil water and water in plant matter (fig. 1) consists of a 

heating element that can be adjusted by a variable transformer, a 250- or 500-mL flask, a specially 

designed separatory receiving funnel (fig. 2), and a straight condenser. The funnel has a sidearm at an 

angle of 105°. This angle allows toluene to overflow and drip back into the flask without obstructing the 

funnel. The distillation is continued until all water drops that condense on the interior glass surfaces fall

into the collection funnel. In addition, the coalescence of water drops on the interior glass walls of the 

entire apparatus is facilitated by coating the condenser and the funnel with a solution of 

dimethyldichlorosilane compound to change the surface from hydrophilic to hydrophobic. The monolayer 

formed is permanent; that is, the apparatus needs only a single treatment.

The instrumentation used for performing δ

2

H measurements of water is the VG hydrogen dual-inlet 

isotope-ratio mass spectrometer (DI-IRMS) equipped with a H2

-H2O platinum equilibration peripheral 

(RSIL lab code 1574; Révész and Coplen, 2008a). The instrumentation used for performing δ

18O 

measurements is the DuPont carbon dioxide DI-IRMS equipped with a CO2

-H2O equilibration peripheral 

(RSIL lab code 489; Révész and Coplen, 2008b).

Figure 1. Diagram of distillation apparatus (Révész and Woods, 1990). Close up of funnel is shown in fig. 2. 
4 

Water level

Toluene level

Clear appearance

Opaque appearance

Wide area

Corner 1

Toluene

(Water and toluene)

105°

Water Drops

Figure 2. Specially designed receiving funnel (Révész and Woods, 1990).

Sample Collection, Preparation, Analysis, Retention Times, and 

Disposal

Sample Containers, Preservation, and Handling Requirements

Each soil or plant-matter sample is collected in a wide-mouth jar, which is tightly capped with a 

metal lid and sealed with electrical tape to prevent loosening and potential evaporation of sample water, 

which generally would increase the remaining sample in 2

H and 18O. Twigs are cut approximately in 2.5-

centimeter (cm) lengths, with a maximum thickness of 1.2 cm; bark may be removed if desired. The jars 

are labeled with isotopes to be determined. In the field, containers should be filled and capped as quickly 

as possible to minimize evaporation of the water sample. An amount of sample sufficient to yield a 

minimum of 3 mL of sample water is required for δ

2

H and δ

18O analyses. Sufficient sample to prepare two 

aliquots of sample water is desired. Regardless of the amount of sample collected, the container size 

should be matched to the sample size. To minimize the effects of evaporation of water into the head space 

of the sample container, the containers should be full. 

Treatment and preservation are not required; however, it is advisable to freeze plant samples and 

refrigerate soil samples to minimize microbial activity. If a sample is submitted from outside the 

continental United States (for example, from Hawaii and Puerto Rico), a copy of the RSIL U.S. 

Department of Agriculture soil permit must accompany the sample, which is available from the RSIL. An 

example is provided as appendix A.

Data Handling

Sample preparation involves logging samples into the LIMS-LSI (discussed below in the section 

titled “Laboratory Information Management System for Light Stable Isotopes (LIMS-LSI)”). The login 

procedure involves logging samples in batches into LIMS-LSI, and batches can contain from 1 to 100 

samples per batch (also called a project). Upon successful login, the LIMS-LSI program outputs printed

labels for each sample container and a summary project report (Révész and Coplen, 2008a,b). Each 

sample label contains the Field ID (the identifier by which the sample submitter knows each sample) and 
5 

the unique RSIL Lab ID assigned by the LIMS-LSI. By using four parallel sample preparation systems, 

15 to 20 samples can be processed each day. Each distillation requires about 20 minutes. The current 

distillation procedure, which includes the sections “Determining How Much Water is Contained in the 

Soil Sample,” “Performing the Distillation,” and “Removing the Toluene,” is provided in appendix B. 

The systematic procedure is listed in the “Lab Procedures” binder. The isotopic measurements of the 

clean water obtained from the soil or plant-matter samples are made by DI-IRMS for δ

2

H and δ

18O values 

(Révész and Coplen, 2008a,b). The δ

2

H measurements are made with a DI-IRMS (Révész and Coplen, 

2008a), which alternatively measures six cycles of the unknown H2

 gas and seven cycles of the “working 

reference” hydrogen H2

 gas. The δ

18O measurements are made with a DI-IRMS (Révész and Coplen, 

2008b), which measures, alternatively, the unknown CO2 gas and of the “working reference” CO2 gas.

Final daily correction factors are determined on the basis of the daily analyses of local laboratory 

reference waters using equations 4 and 5 or 6 and 7, which are represented with numerical values:

–6.54 ‰ = m × δ 18OW-62000/VSMOW + b (4)

–51.23 ‰ = m × δ 18OW-63333/VSMOW + b (5)

–62.3 ‰ = m × δ 2

HW-50000/VSMOW + b (6)

–399.5 ‰ = m × δ 2

HW-63333/VSMOW + b (7)

The values –6.54, –51.23, –62.3, and –399.5 ‰ are the values of secondary reference waters that have 

been calibrated using the international reference waters VSMOW and SLAP. The δ

18O and δ 2

H values in 

equations 4 to 7 are the mean daily delta values of the respective local laboratory reference water relative 

to VSMOW, b is the additive correction factor, and m is the expansion coefficient. The procedure to 

apply correction factors is given in Révész and Coplen (2008a,b). 

As a check on quality assurance, samples regularly are distilled and analyzed in replicate. If the 

replicates do not agree within acceptable tolerances, they are distilled and analyzed again until the desired 

statistically acceptable agreement among the results is achieved. The computerized LIMS-LSI will not 

release data until the tolerances are acceptable.

Problematic Samples

Problematic samples include those that have a mass fraction of water less than 3 percent. At such low 

mass fractions, water is strongly adsorbed to the soil particles or plant matter, and quantitative yield by 

distillation is difficult to achieve. If a quantitative yield is not achieved, the sample water may be 

isotopically fractionated. If soil contains minerals with water of crystallization (such as gypsum) and it 

loses this hydration water at a temperature less than 84.1 oC, the isotopic composition of soil water of the 

sample must be determined by isotope balance of water of crystallization and the soil water by other 

methods; otherwise, the measured isotopic composition might be erroneous. 

Soil samples have a high surface area; therefore, evaporation is enhanced. Evaporation alters the 

isotopic composition of the sample water. Any samples that were not properly capped are noted and 

returned to the sample submitter. Samples with cracked caps can be problematic because they enable

evaporation. Caps with foam liners should be avoided and have been especially problematic because they 

allow water to evaporate due to the permeability of the foam. 

Interferences 

No interferences are known. One note of caution is that isotopic analysis should not be performed by 

laser-absorption spectrometry because small amounts of organic material can bias the measurement 

results (Brand and others, 2009; Singleton and others, 2009). 
6 

Troubleshooting and Bench Notes

If there are any leaks between the joints of the distillation apparatus, water can be lost during 

distillation, and the samples can be isotopically fractionated. If this occurs, the distillation should be 

terminated and the apparatus reassembled until a perfect seal is achieved. It is crucial for the distillation to 

continue an additional 10 to 15 minutes after the appearance of the first clear toluene drops in the funnel. 

The high-temperature toluene vapor will rinse water drops from the inner wall into the receiving funnel.

The drops on the glass wall usually have different isotopic compositions than the bulk water accumulated 

in the funnel, resulting in an incorrect isotopic measurement result. If any water drops remain on the 

surface, a glass rod with an O-ring at the end should be used to push down the drops into the funnel so 

that they can be combined with the remainder of the sample water. 

Maintenance and Maintenance Records

It is imperative to keep the apparatus clean. After each distillation, the funnel assembly must be 

thoroughly dried by wiping the residual toluene and water from the inside of the apparatus with a clean, 

dry, lint-free tissue. The inner part of the straight condenser must also be dried. This is done by blowing 

dry, oil-free, compressed air though the condenser until all traces of moisture are removed.

Sample Retention Time and Disposal 

Samples are retained by the RSIL for at least 6 months after reporting data. Samples are then 

discarded unless the submitter has requested that the samples be returned.

The sample analysis records from the DI-IRMS computers are kept indefinitely on two different hard 

disks of the Data Back-Up computer. Paper reports are kept for a few weeks. Analytical results from each 

DI-IRMS are transmitted in real time to the LIMS-LSI and kept indefinitely. No data are entered by hand, 

and no manual calculations are performed on the data.

Data Acquisition, Processing, Evaluation, Quality Control, and Quality 

Assurance

Laboratory Information Management System for Light Stable Isotope (LIMS-LSI)

In the RSIL, the LIMS-LSI (Coplen, 2000) is used for data processing and evaluation. This system is 

a database program capable of (1) storing information about samples, (2) storing the results of mass 

spectrometric delta values of samples, (3) calculating analytical results using standardized algorithms 

stored in a database, (4) normalizing delta values using isotopic reference materials, and (5) generating 

templates to facilitate loading of samples. With this system, the following are ensured: (1) quality 

assurance (QA), (2) laboratory efficiency, (3) reduction of workload and errors owing to the elimination 

of retyping of data by laboratory personnel, and (4) a decrease in errors in data reported to sample 

submitters. This database provides a complete record of information on how laboratory reference 

materials have been analyzed and provides a record of what correction factors have been used as an audit 

trail for the RSIL.
7 

Quality Control (QC) Samples

Approximately two local laboratory reference waters are distilled and analyzed daily with samples. 

One of these is Antarctic water that is highly depleted in 18O and 2

H, and the other is laboratory DIW with

typical δ

18O and δ 2H values. These are our QC samples.

An analyst examines the mass spectrometric analysis reports daily for problems. Additive correction 

factors and expansion factors are determined daily with the LIMS-LSI and applied to isotopic data. The

analyst reviews the results and determines which samples need to be redistilled and reanalyzed to achieve 

acceptable statistics (for example, δ

18O standard deviation equal to or better than 0.2 ‰). 

 For each batch of samples, a graph is made of δ

2

H plotted against δ

18O. The δ 2H and δ18O values of 

natural waters commonly have a high natural correlation; the loci of points are called the meteoric water

line. Outliers are noted and redistilled, and they are reanalyzed for either or both δ

 2H and δ18O because 

these may be interesting research findings or laboratory errors, such as a mix up in samples. 

Acceptance Criteria for All QC Samples

Acceptance criteria for QC samples are the same as acceptance criteria for the other samples. The 

rules are as follows:

For δ

 18O:

• If the standard deviation is <0.30 ‰, use the mean delta.

• If there are three or more analyses, delete the outlier and recalculate the mean. 

• If the standard deviation of this recalculation is ≤0.30 ‰, use the mean from this 

recalculation. 

• If none of the above is the case, the result is not acceptable, and corrective action is required. 

For δ

 2H:

• If the standard deviation is <2 ‰, use the mean delta.

• If there are three or more analyses, delete the outlier and recalculate the mean. 

• If the standard deviation of this recalculation is ≤2 ‰, use the mean of this recalculation.

• If the recalculation was performed on exactly three analyses and if recalculation of the mean

results in a standard deviation value ≤2.5 ‰, use it. 

• If the difference between the original standard deviation and the recalculated standard 

deviation is >1.1 and <3 ‰, use the mean of the recalculated standard deviation. 

• If none of the above is the case, the result is not acceptable, and corrective action is required. 

Uncertainty 

The RSIL estimates expanded uncertainty (U = 2μc) of δ

2

HVSMOW-SLAP measurement results. The 

expanded uncertainty provides an envelope that represents a 95 percent probability of encompassing the 

true value that has been determined from the aggregation of results over a period of years. The “longterm” expanded uncertainty is ±3 ‰ for the reporting of hydrogen isotopic compositions of soil water and 

plant water. The expanded uncertainty can be determined using the guide to the expression of uncertainty 

(Joint Committee for Guides in Metrology, Working Group 1 (JCGM/WG1), 2010). The application of 

expanded uncertainty to the reporting of stable isotope measurements is discussed by Coplen and others 

(2006). Our results suggest that if any given sample were resubmitted to the RSIL for hydrogen isotopic 

analysis, the measured value would fall within the uncertainty bounds of the previous result more than 

95 percent of the time.

Similarly, the expanded uncertainty (U = 2μc) estimated for reporting of δ

18OVSMOW-SLAP measurement 

results has been determined from aggregating measurement results over time, and the long-term 
8 

uncertainty (2μc) for soil water and plant water is ±0.3 ‰. Again, if any given sample were resubmitted to 

the RSIL for oxygen isotopic analysis, the measured value would fall within the uncertainty bounds of the 

previous result more than 95 percent of the time.

Corrective Action Requirements

If an analyst finds any problem with the daily reference-sample data, the analyst contacts the 

supervisor. The troubleshooting process will require an evaluation and reanalysis of certain samples to 

identify the origin of the problem. 

If samples do not give satisfactory results after three or more separate distillations and analyses, the 

analyst averages all the data and reports the mean value. Such analytical results are indicated with a 

comment, and the customer will be advised of the problem by e-mail or other means. 

Responsible Parties for All QA/QC Functions for Procedures Covered in RSIL SOPs 

The analyst, with supervisory approval, is responsible for qualifying data and notifying customers. 

Data Management and Records

In addition to evaluating daily sample analyses, an analyst also evaluates the data for each project 

every week, reports results to the customers, and files final project data reports in the laboratory 

“Correspondence” binder (Révész and Coplen, 2008a,b).

Health, Safety, and Waste-Disposal Information

Applicable Health and (or) Safety Issues

Personal Protection 

Laboratory safety glasses and protective latex gloves are recommended whenever samples are 

handled, especially when the samples are of biological origin. When the submitter indicates hazardous 

chemical in the samples, the technician should consult the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), which 

are on file in the laboratory and at the URL http://www.ilpi.com/msds/#Manufacturers. This URL 

provides links to the MSDSs of most chemical companies. Depending on the hazardous chemical, nitrile 

gloves may be needed. 

Electrical Hazards 

Electrical systems must conform to the National Electric Code, National Fire Protection Association 

Code (NFPA 70–1971), and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Code (C1–1971). For 

more information, consult the U.S. Geological Survey’s Safety and Environmental Health Handbook 

(U.S. Geological Survey, 2002, sec. 4–4.1).

Shock hazards exist inside the instruments. Only an authorized service representative or an individual 

with training in electronic repair must remove panels or circuit boards where voltages are greater than 

20 volts. The instruments require a third-wire protective grounding conductor. Three-to-two wire adapters 

are unsafe for these instruments. 
9 

Chemical Hazards 

Toluene is flammable, and its vapor has a higher density than that of air. It is toxic via inhalation of 

vapors and skin contact. (See MSDS for personal protective equipment for working with toluene.) Each 

distillation should be carried out in a hood with flash-proof electrical heating equipment. Upon receipt, 

samples should be carefully inspected visually for obvious cracks. When the submitter submits a sample 

containing a hazardous chemical, the analyst should consult the appropriate MSDS about handling the 

sample.

The SO2

 reference gas is colorless and has a suffocating odor. Exposure to SO2 can cause respiratory 

tract burns. Therefore, an appropriate ventilation unit must be installed in the Finnigan MAT ConFlo II 

interface. A leak test on the tank of gas and the line carrying SO2 to the Finnigan MAT ConFlo II 

interface must be performed routinely. 

Gas Cylinder Handling 

Compressed gas cylinders must be handled and stored according to the U.S. Geological Survey’s

Safety and Environmental Health Handbook (U.S. Geological Survey, 2002, sec. 4–4.5.1). Each cylinder 

must be (1) carefully inspected when received; (2) securely fastened at all times with an approved chain 

assembly or belt; (3) capped at all times when not in use; (4) capped when transported; (5) transported 

only by a properly designed vehicle (hand truck); and (6) stored separately with other full, empty, 

flammable, or oxidizing tanks of gas, as appropriate. 

Specific Waste-Disposal Requirements

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) requires that unanalyzed soil and plant samples from 

areas outside the continental United States be autoclaved or otherwise treated to kill biologically active 

organisms before disposal. The analyst should follow the rules in USDA Circular Q–330.300–1 at 

http://www.geotech.org/survey/geotech/pdf/soil-circular.pdf. At the RSIL samples are autoclaved with 

steam for 30 minutes at a pressure of 15 lb/in2

. 

Waste toluene should be poured into a collection container and clearly labeled for disposal. Toluenesoaked wipes should be collected in plastic bags. Both used toluene and wipes should be given to the 

safety, health, and environmental officer for disposal.
10

References Cited

Brand, W.A., Geilmann , Heike, Crosson, E.R., and Rella, C.W., 2009, Cavity ring-down spectroscopy 

versus high-temperature conversion isotope ratio mass spectrometry; A case study on δ

 2H and δ 18O of 

pure water samples and alcohol/water mixtures: Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry, v. 23, 

p. 1879–1884, accessed July 13, 2012, at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/rcm.4083/abstract. 

Coplen, T.B., 1988, Normalization of oxygen and hydrogen isotope data: Chemical Geology (Isotope 

Geoscience Section), v. 72, p. 293–297. 

Coplen, T.B., 1994, Reporting of stable hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen isotopic abundances: Pure and 

Applied Chemistry, v. 66, p. 273–276. 

Coplen, T.B., 1996, New guidelines for reporting stable hydrogen, carbon and oxygen isotope-ratio data, 

Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, v. 60, p. 3359–3360.

Coplen, T.B., 2000, A guide for the laboratory information management system (LIMS) for light stable 

isotopes—Version 7 and 8: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 00–345, 121 p., accessed April 

27, 2012, at http://water.usgs.gov/software/code/geochemical/lims/doc/ofr00345.pdf.

Coplen, T.B., 2011, Guidelines and recommended terms for expression of stable-isotope-ratio and gasratio measurement results: Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry, v. 25, no. 17, p. 2538–2560, 

accessed July 13, 2012, at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/rcm.5129/abstract. 

Coplen, T.B., Brand, W.A., Gehre, Matthias, Gröning, Manfred, Meijer, H.A.J., Toman, Blaza, and 

Verkouteren, R.M., 2006, New guidelines for δ

13C measurements: Analytical Chemistry, v. 78, no. 7, p. 

2439–2441. 

Gonfiantini, Roberto, 1978, Standards for stable isotope measurements in natural compounds: Nature, v. 

271, p. 534–536. 

Joint Committee for Guides in Metrology, Working Group 1 (JCGM/WG1), 2010, Evaluation of 

measurement data—Guide to the expression of uncertainty in measurement (known as the GUM) 

(2010 corrected version of the first edition of 2008): Joint Committee for Guides in Metrology 

[publication] JCGM 100:2008, 120 p., accessed July 16, 2012, at 

http://www.bipm.org/en/publications/guides/.

Révész, K.M., and Woods, P.H., 1990, A method to extract soil water for stable isotope analysis: Journal 

of Hydrology, v. 115, p. 397–406. 

Révész, Kinga, and Coplen, T.B., 2008a, Determination of the δ(

2

H/1H) of water: RSIL lab code 1574,

chap. 1 of Stable isotope-ratio methods, sec. C of Révész, Kinga, and Coplen, T.B., eds., Methods of 

the Reston Stable Isotope Laboratory: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques and Methods, book 10, 

27 p., available only at http://pubs.usgs.gov/tm/2007/tm10c1/. 

Révész, Kinga, and Coplen, T.B., 2008b, Determination of the δ (18O/16O) of water: RSIL lab code 489, 

chap. 2 of Stable isotope-ratio methods, sec. C of Révész, Kinga, and Coplen, T.B., eds., Methods of 

the Reston Stable Isotope Laboratory: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques and Methods, book 10, 

28 p., available only at http://pubs.usgs.gov/tm/2007/tm10c2/. 

Singleton, G.L., Coplen, T.B., Qi, Haiping, and Lorenz, J.M., 2009, Laser-based stable hydrogen and 

oxygen analyses—How reliable can measurement results be? [abs]: European Geosciences Union, 

General Assembly, April 2009, Vienna, Austria., accessed July 14, 2012, at 

http://meetingorganizer.copernicus.org/EGU2009/EGU2009-3290.pdf. 

U.S. Geological Survey, 2002, USGS handbook 445–3–H, Safety and environmental health handbook, 

435 p. 

 
11

Appendix A. Example of a United States Department of Agriculture 

Permit to Receive Soil
12

Appendix B. Step-by-Step Procedure to Prepare and Analyze Samples 

for Distillation 

Determining How Much Water is Contained in the Soil Sample 

After the samples are logged into the LIMS-LSI database and sample numbers have been assigned, 

the first thing that must be done is to determine how much water is contained in the soil sample. This is 

done by weighing out 5 grams (g) of sample, drying it in either a convection or vacuum oven, and then 

reweighing the remainder of the sample. The weight of the dried sample can then be used to determine the 

amount of sample needed to yield a desired quantity of water that can be extracted per weighed sample. A 

minimum of 3 to 4 mL of water is needed for a satisfactory analysis, but quantities as low as 0.5 mL can 

be used. If sufficient sample has been provided or the sample is overly saturated, as much as 10 mL of 

water should be extracted. 

Evaporating Water from the Sample

Choose a container to weigh out the soil sample. Any type of suitable container can be used, but it should 

be able to withstand at least 90 °C. This same container will be used to dry the sample in the oven.

Figures B–1 and B–2 show the 100 × 15-millimeter (mm) disposable polystyrene Petri dishes used. 

Weighing Out the Sample

1. Label each container with the corresponding number of the sample that was assigned in LIMS-LSI 

(fig. B–2). Label each dish as you prepare the sample for weighing to avoid any mix ups. A 

permanent sharp-tip-type marker works well.

2. Open the container of sample and weigh out at least 5 g of sample into the Petri dish. 

3. Close the sample container and reseal. Do this as quickly as possible to minimize evaporation.

4. On a sheet of paper, write down the sample ID number plus the combined weight of the soil sample 

and the container. To keep things simple, try to weigh out as close to 5 g of sample as possible for 

each sample taken.

5. Repeat steps 2, 3, and 4 for the remaining samples.

Drying Samples 

1. After all samples are weighed out into individual containers, the water must be evaporated. A 

convection oven or a vacuum oven can be used. To expedite the evaporation process, the latter 

method is preferred.

2. Place the samples in the oven. If using a convection oven, set the temperature to 90 °C. If using a 

vacuum oven, set the temperature to 45°C. 

3. Evaporation times will vary depending on the amount of water a sample contains.

4. Reweigh the samples after they are thoroughly dried. 

Calculating Water Content 

1. Reweigh the evaporated soil samples in their containers and write down the results on the same sheet 

of paper used previously. Write down the combined weight of the soil sample and container.
13

2. Determine how much sample will be required to yield 5.0 mL of water; multiply the mass of the wet 

soil by 5 and then divide that answer by the yield of water (for example, 6.2 g (mass of wet soil) ×

5.0 mL (amount of water that needs to be extracted) ÷ 4.7 mL (yield of water) = 6.59 g). 

3. The result, 6.59 g, is the mass of soil needed to yield 5.0 mL of water. 

Water in Plant Samples

The entire plant sample is usually distilled because it contains little water. If there is water 

condensation on the inside of the glass vial, the entire vial can be dropped into the toluene through the 

wide opening of the flask holding the toluene.

Performing the Distillation

Equipment and Reagents Needed

1. ParaplastTM wax, pellet form (used to remove toluene from the extracted water).

2. Heating plate with water bath to melt the wax with the extracted water.

3. Toluene (high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) grade).

4. Thermometer (general-purpose laboratory type).

5. Support stands.

6. Adjustable angle clamps.

7. Cold-water connections for condenser.

8. Specially designed receiving funnel (fig. B–3).

9. VariacTM (fig. B–4) for each heater to control temperature.

10. One 500-mL flask with heavy wall, round bottom, and taper-ground joint (fig. B–5).

11. Large disposable wipes.

12. Disposable latex gloves.

13. Bench top scales (for water-content determination, use 0.00-g accuracy scale; for weighing samples, 

0.0-g accuracy).

14. One 100-mL glass beaker.

15. Glass sample (scintillation) vials with cone-shaped cap (11 mL) (fig. B–6).

16. Glass rod with O-ring (fig. B–7).

17. Condenser (Liebig, 300 mm, fig. B–8).

18. Electrothermal hemispherical mantle-bottom heater (fig. B–9).

19. Boiling chips (used only when distilling standard waters for checking the system).

Distilling the Sample

1. Before starting to weigh out samples, all necessary equipment should be set up and be operational 

(fig. B–10). Do not turn on heaters.

2. Weigh out the amount of sample needed to yield the desired amount of water into a 250- to 500-mL

flask (fig. B–11). Add sufficient toluene (200–250 mL) to each sample so that the soil will remain 

covered throughout the distillation process. Do this as quickly as possible to minimize evaporation.

3. Repeat step 2 for the remaining distillation set ups.

4. Put each flask in position on its heater and attach it to the receiving funnel, which is attached to the 

condenser.

5. Start the water flow through the condensers and turn on the heaters.

6. Using the Variac(s), adjust the heaters to approximately 70 °C so that the water and toluene in the 

flask is not being forcibly boiled into the receiving funnel.
14

7. During the distillation process, drops of water will form in the upper section of the receiving funnel

and on the inside of the condenser. A glass rod with a piece of plastic tubing or an O-ring at its end 

can be used to push the drops down into the distilled water that accumulates in the receiving funnel 

(fig. B–12). Water drops can be pushed down in this way during the distillation process through the 

top of the condenser and afterward in both the condenser and the receiving funnel (fig. B–13).

8. After no water droplets are observed to be forming in the condenser or the receiving funnel, turn off 

all heaters. Allow the flask and receiving funnel to cool.

9. When the water and toluene contained in the receiving funnel has cooled sufficiently, a clear “line” 

can be seen separating the two components, as seen in fig. B–13. If there is an opaque, narrow 

segment in between, stir it in with the clear water using the glass rod. Let it separate again for a short 

time.

10. Take an appropriate-sized glass-sample (scintillation) vial and place the corresponding label on the 

vial to identify the sample (fig. B–6).

11. Position the vial under the stopcock of the receiving funnel and slowly open the stopcock to allow the 

water to drain into the scintillation vial.

12. As soon as all the water is emptied, quickly close the stopcock to minimize the amount of toluene in 

the sample. 

Removing the Toluene

1. Before placing the cap on the scintillation vial, wax must be added to remove any toluene in the 

water. 

a. Add approximately 1.5 g of wax per 5 mL of sample. 

b. Replace the cap and place the vial in a glass dish of heated water (fig. B–14) to melt the wax. 

c. Turn on the heater under the set up used to melt the wax in the glass scintillation vials. 

d. Adjust the temperature to maintain 56 °C.

e. Be careful to prevent the temperature of the water from rising above the melting point of the wax

(56 oC). 

2. When all the wax has melted, remove the vial from the hot water and turn it upside down on the 

counter top.

3. After the wax has solidified, remove the cap and decant the distilled water into a second scintillation 

vial with the appropriate label.

4. Make sure the water sample is free of residual toluene. Note: If the solidified wax seems soft or if a 

toluene odor is detected, it is a good indication that there was a large amount of toluene present. The 

harder the wax is, the lower the amount of toluene in the distilled water.

5. If there is still a strong odor of toluene in the distilled water, the waxing must be repeated a second 

time. Repeat as necessary until the water is odor free. Sometimes the sample will smell of toluene 

until it is decanted away from the wax. Be sure to decant into clean vials each time. Normally, two

treatments with wax are sufficient to remove the toluene from the distilled sample.

Preparing for the Next Run

1. After each distillation, approximately 25 to 30 mL of toluene will collect in the receiving funnel. This 

should be discarded into an appropriate waste-disposal container within the hood and 25 mL of fresh 

toluene is added back to each flask before the next distillation. It is not necessary to remove the prior 

sample from the flask, but it is advisable. Nevertheless, ensure that when the next sample is added, it 

remains completely immersed with toluene.

2. Wipe the funnel dry with a disposable wipe. Collect all toluene-soaked wipes in a plastic bag for 

discarding by the safety, health, and environmental officer.

3. Discard the toluene with the distilled soil samples into a clearly labeled, larger container for disposal 

by the safety, health, and environmental officer.
15

4. Assemble the apparatus for the next sample.

Figure B–1. Preparation for determining the water content of sample.

Figure B–2. Preparation for determining the water content of the sample with sample to right of balance and Petri dish 

labeled with sample ID.
16

 

Figure B–3. Specially designed receiving funnel.

 

Figure B–4. Variac to control temperature of the heating element.
17

 

Figure B–5. Flask (500-mL) with heavy wall, round bottom, and taper-ground joint.

Figure B–6. Glass-scintillation vial with label.
18

Figure B–7. Glass rod with O-ring.

Figure B–8. Condenser (Liebig, 300 mm).
19

Figure B–9. Electrothermal hemispherical mantle-bottom heater.

 

Figure B–10. Four-station distillation set up.
20

Figure B–11. Weighing out samples.

Figure B–12. Distillation of soil samples.
21

Figure B–13. Glass rod with O-ring used to push water drops into distilled water.

Figure B–14. Set up used to melt wax.