# Recommendations and Protocols for the Use of the Isotope Ratio Infrared Spectrometer (Delta Ray) to Measure Stable Isotopes from CO2: An Application to Volcanic Emissions at Mount Etna and Stromboli (Sicily, Italy)

Authors: G. Boudoire; F. Grassa; G. Giuffrida; M. Liuzzo
Journal: Geofluids
 (2020)

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## Abstract

Among major volatiles released from the Earth’s interior, CO2 is an important target for the international community. The interest is keenly motivated by the contribution of CO2 in the Earth’s carbon budget and its role on past, current, and future climate dynamics. In particular, the isotopic signature of CO2 is fundamental to characterize the source of this gas and its evolution up to the atmosphere. The recent development of new laser-based techniques has marked an important milestone for the scientific community by favoring both high-frequency and in situ stable isotope measurements. Among them, the Delta Ray IRIS (Thermo Scientific Inc., Waltham, USA) is one of the most promising instruments thanks to its high precision, its limited interferences with other gaseous species (such as H2S and/or SO2), and its internal calibration procedure. These characteristics and the relative easiness to transport the Delta Ray IRIS have encouraged its use on the field to analyze volcanic CO2 emissions in recent years but often with distinct customized protocols of measurements. In this study, various tests in the laboratory and on the field have been performed to study the dependence of CO2 isotope measurements on analytical, instrumental, and environmental conditions. We emphasize the exceptional ability of the Delta Ray IRIS to perform isotope measurements for a large range of CO2 concentration (200 ppm–100%) thanks to a dilution system and to get a reliable estimation of the real CO2 content from the diluted one. These tests lead to point out major recommendations on the use of Delta Ray IRIS and allow the development of adapted protocols to analyze CO2 emissions like in volcanic environments.


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## Body

## 1. Introduction

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a greenhouse gas present in the atmosphere known to play a major role on the Earth’s climate dynamics [1, 2]. Among natural emissions of CO2, volcanic and tectonic areas are the main contributors to the global carbon budget [3–5]. These natural CO2 emissions may represent less than 2% of anthropogenic emissions, but the uncertainty remains high and is a hot debated topic for the scientific community [4, 6]. It has stimulated the creation of research initiatives such as the Deep Carbon Observatory to address the issues relative to the causes and consequences of variations in natural CO2 emissions [7]. In particular, natural variations of CO2 markers are fundamental to constrain the dynamics of the Earth’s reservoirs [8, 9] but are also of peculiar interest to characterize the origin of volcanic gases [10–14], detect magma dynamic changes [15, 16], and detect hidden diffusive degassing zones [14, 17].The recent development of new techniques involving the use of the laser-based isotope ratio infrared spectrometer (IRIS) has favored both high-frequency and in situ measurements with respect to more conventional isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) techniques [18–21]. First applications of IRIS were aimed at study ecosystem respiration and temporal variations of CO2 sources in the atmosphere [9, 22, 23]. It is only recently that volcanic gases were investigated with such technique [24–28]. IRIS measurements are based on the absorption of infrared photons by exciting a molecule’s rotational and vibrational energy states. They may use different light sources (broadband light sources, mid- or near- infrared lasers) and different absorption cells (multipath, resonant). Among all these optical-based techniques (see [21] for a review), the Delta Ray IRIS (Thermo Scientific Inc., Waltham, USA) is one of the most relevant. It is based on the use of two tunable near-infrared diode lasers combined with a nonlinear crystal to produce a laser beam in the midinfrared region. It allows the use of a short effective pathlength due to an associated line strength that is approximately 8000 times stronger than the near-infrared region. This allows a higher precision that is crucial to deal with volcanic gases whose time variations of CO2 markers are often <1‰ [16]. Moreover, the midinfrared region does not suffer of interferences with other species (e.g., H2S) as observed with other instruments working in the near-infrared one [29]. Finally, the Delta Ray IRIS uses an unprecedented internal calibration procedure that takes into account the concentration dependency of isotopes when using optical-based techniques (see [9] for a review).Many tests were performed to study the precision and the accuracy of Delta Ray IRIS measurements [9, 21]. But to our knowledge, no study focuses on the development of protocols for isotope analysis in the laboratory and on the field. Actually, previous results from volcanic gases were obtained with the use of various homemade protocols [13, 24–27]. In this study, we aim to provide recommendations to obtain precise and accurate measurements with the Delta Ray IRIS in order to develop standard protocols on its use for isotopic measurements of CO2. Various tests have been performed on (i) the dependency on isotopic signatures and contents of analyzed CO2, (ii) the analytical and instrumental conditions of use, and (iii) the environmental influence. Results bring new insights on the optimized acquisition time to perform accurate and precise measurements. In the case of punctual gas sampling, it allows to determine the minimum required volume of gas and thus to identify the most adapted gas sampler to use. In the case of (semi)continuous long-term measurements, it allows to optimize the monitoring procedure of CO2 emissions. Finally, for the first time, the possibility to recalculate real CO2 contents from diluted ones is evaluated.


## 2. Methods

In this study, we have used two Thermo Fisher Delta Ray IRIS instruments belonging to the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia Sez. di Palermo (hereafter, INGV Palermo) (Figure1(a)). Analysis may be performed between -10 and 45°C and within a pressure range of 700-1200 mbar (that can be accommodated with a choked device in altitude [27]). The analyzer operates in a midinfrared range (4.3294–4.3275 μm) to simultaneously measure the δ13C, δ18O (measurements relative to a standard and reported as delta (δ) per mil (‰) values), and CO2 content through 4 absorption lines of isotopologues (12C16O16O with two absorption lines, 13C16O16O, and 12C16O18O) at 500 Hz. Measurements may be performed over a CO2 concentration range of 200-3500 ppm or for concentration up to 100% using an innovative dilution system with CO2-free synthetic air (Figure 1(b)). The Delta Ray IRIS has the specificity to use an internal calibration procedure to (i) correct linearly the CO2 content and (ii) correct the isotopic values from the concentration dependency [9]. Calibration is performed after the warm-up using two in-house references. We used two pure CO2 gas tanks having different isotope signatures (δ13C=−39.3‰ and -1.3‰ and δ18O=−40.3‰ and -5.2‰, respectively, versus the V-PDB standard). Referencing is performed before and after each cycle of measurements (so-called “smart referencing” procedure suggested in the IRIS user’s manual) using the one of the reference gases.Figure 1
Description of deployed material and location of sample sites. (a) Deployment of the Delta Ray IRIS in the INGV Palermo laboratory. U.R.I.: Universal Reference Interface; Ref: reference gases (see text for explanations). (b) Delta Ray Xpand dilution system with the dilutor and the 5 fixed range dilution wires used in this study covering the full range of CO2 content. (c) Location of the main field tests. Pressure tests were performed at 3 various altitudes (about 0, 1000, and 2000 m) on Mount Etna along the road with the Delta Ray IRIS embarked in an INGV Palermo car. The soil CO2 test was performed at Passopisciaro with the Delta Ray IRIS deployed in a shed, less than 20 m far from the permanent soil CO2 flux station of the EtnaGas network [42]. (d) Location of the sampling sites at Stromboli (P0, P2, and P6) where soil CO2 emissions were sampled within both Multi-Layer bags and Exetainer vials. (e) Deployment of the Delta Ray IRIS in the INGV Palermo car for the pressure tests. The power supply was provided by the car battery connected, adjusted with an inverter, and modulated with an Uninterruptible Power Supply (U.P.S.). (f) Deployment of the Delta Ray IRIS at Passopisciaro for semicontinuous measurements of soil CO2 during 24 h. The power was provided by a 220 V home supply modulated with the U.P.S. Measurements were performed through a 5 m long stainless steel tubing connected to a 50 cm depth stainless steel probe to avoid adsorption of the CO2 onto the internal tube [25].
(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)(f)Table1 summarizes the various tests performed in this study and related analytical and environmental conditions. For tests, we used three different gases with known isotope values (δ13C=−39.3‰, -11.3‰ and -1.3‰; δ18O=−40.3‰, -13.4‰ and -5.2‰). The stable carbon and oxygen isotopes (δ13C and δ18O, respectively) in all of these three reference gases have been previously analyzed with a Thermo Delta Plus XP CF-IRMS (precision±0.15δ‰) coupled to a Thermo Trace gas chromatograph (GC) and a Thermo GC/C III interface at the INGV Palermo [17]. Five sets of measurements were performed in the laboratory and available in Appendix 1:
(1)
The first set of measurements (Appendix1–Sheet 1) is dedicated to test the influence of analytical conditions on the precision and accuracy of the analyses. Here, pure CO2 has been injected in 5 L Multi-Layer Foil gas sampling bags produced by Restek. This material presents a lower CO2 permeability (0.0078 cm3m-2d-1) than Tedlar gas sampling bags by Restek (172 cm3m-2d-1). CO2 contents from 100% down to 300 ppm were then obtained adding various extents of CO2-free synthetic air (N57 POL, Air Liquide™). Results were obtained for (1a) different isotopic signatures of CO2 (δ13C=−39.3, -11.3 and -1.3‰; δ18O=−40.3, -13.4 and -5.2‰, respectively); (1b) different fixed range dilution wires provided with the analyzer to cover the full range of CO2 contents from 3500 ppm to 100% (orange, gray, blue, pink, and yellow); (1c) different 12C16O16O integration peaks (i.e., high concentration peak at 4.3277 μm and low concentration peak at 4.3280 μm); (1d) different CO2 contents to test the response of the analyzer either in the recommended range of use of the dilution wires or in the possible range defined by the manufacturer (Thermo Fisher documentation; Figure 1(c)); (1e) different protocols of measurements (Protocol 1, suggested by the manufacturer, refers to 60 s of flushing time of the analyzer to clean the absorption cell, 180 s of measurements of the reference gas whereas Protocol 2 refers to 40 s of flushing time and 20 s of measurements of the reference gas); and (1f) different Delta Ray IRIS instruments (called DR1 and DR2)(2)
The second set of measurements (Appendix1–Sheet 2) is obtained in the laboratory by simulating time variations of CO2 isotopic signatures by switching each 10 minutes a valve between two gas samples (δ13C=−39.3‰ and -1.3‰ versus the V-PDB standard)(3)
The third set of measurements (Appendix1–Sheet 3) represents the results of 65 hours of measurements (1 Hz) averaged each 15 min (60 s of flushing time for both the reference and sample gases, 180 s of measurements of the reference gas, and 600 s of measurements of the sample gas)(4)
The fourth set of measurements (Appendix1–Sheet 4) is aimed at evaluating the potential temporal drift in stable carbon isotopes related to the sampling method (Multi-Layer Foil gas sampling bags, Restek). Here, we have analyzed at different timescales the same sampling bags (from 1 day to more than 2 months to test the stability of the sampling bags) containing dry CO2 (about 1%) in CO2-free synthetic air(5)
Finally, the last set of measurements (Appendix1–Sheet 5) is dedicated to test the ability to rebuild real CO2 content from diluted ones, i.e., when the dilution system is used for CO2 content between 3500 ppm and 100%. Real CO2 contents were beforehand validated by the use of a micro module (MicroGC 3000) equipped with Poraplot U column (15 m) fluxed by He (detector TCD). Analytical precision (±1σ) was always better than ±3%. The detection limit was about 100 ppmTable 1
Conditions of use for the 124 tests performed in this study in the laboratory and on the field. The isotopic composition of standard gases was subjected to slight natural variations during tank replacements (<1‰). Here, the most common values used in the tests are reported. Meanwhile, the accuracy described in this study always refers to the difference between the measurement and the real isotopic signature of the gas standard.
(a)TestFocusAppendixSheetConditions of useCO2 (%)Dilution wireNat.100402010410.40.30.1WithoutOrangeGrayBluePinkYellowLaboratoryParameters11XXXXXXXXXXXXResponse to gas perturbation12XXXXStability (semicontinuous meas.)13XXStability (time storage in sampler)14XXRecalculated CO2 contents15XXXXXXXXXXFieldP-T influence (semicontinuous meas.)21XXP-T influence (punctual meas.)22XXXXProtocol validity (punctual meas.)23XXXXProtocol validity (semicontinuous meas.)24XX(b)Conditions of useδ13C(‰)δ18O(‰)Peak int.Range of useProtocolDelta RayPressureSamplers-39.3-11.3-1.3-40.3-13.4-5.2HighLowRecom.Possible12DR1DR2Lab.FieldBagsVialsXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXmeas.: measurements; int.: integration; Recom.: recommended; Nat.: natural emissions.Four kinds of test were performed in the field. Results from tests on Mount Etna (Figure1(c)) and Stromboli (Figure 1(d)) are available in Appendix 2:
(1)
After calibration at sea level, a first test (Appendix2–Sheet 1) was performed to study the evolution of the accuracy of (semi)continuous carbon isotope measurements in function of the ambient pressure-temperature conditions. A pure CO2 gas standard was injected in a Multi-Layer bag that was analyzed by the Delta Ray IRIS installed in a car which was traveling along a road on Etna (with variations of altitude between 0 and 2000 m above sea level). Measurements were performed using the “smart referencing” procedure (60 s of flushing time and 140 s of measurements for both the reference and sample gases). In the same sheet, instrument conditions, ambient conditions, and computed pressure gradients are also reported(2)
The second test (Appendix2–Sheet 2) was aimed at determining the influence of ambient pressure-temperature conditions (e.g., altitude) of gas sampling on the accuracy of carbon isotope measurements. For such purpose, the Multi-Layer bags were filled at different altitudes (from 0 to about 2000 m above sea level) on Mount Etna (Sicily, Italy) with pure CO2 and with a mixture CO2/synthetic air (CO2 concentration of about 1%) (Figure 1(e)). Sampling bags were then brought back and analyzed a second time after few days in the laboratory at quite constant atmospheric pressure and temperature (at sea level)(3)
The third test was aimed at validating the sampling strategy related to the minimum volume of gas required to obtain precise and accurate measurements from punctual gas samples. The tests were performed on some soil CO2 gas samples collected at Stromboli in sampling bags and in screw caps of Exetainer glass vials (Appendix 2–Sheet 3)(4)
The last test (Appendix2–Sheet 4) represents (semi)continuous measurements of stable carbon isotopes from a soil CO2 emission on the flank of Mount Etna during 24 h. Measurements were performed by inserting a stainless steel probe at 50 cm depth in the soil and connecting it to the Delta Ray with a 5 m long Aisi 316 stainless steel (O.D. 1/16in.×I.D.0.007in.) tubing to avoid CO2 adsorption onto the internal tube [25]. A time delay of less than 3 min related to the gas path from the sampling point to the analyses was computed by injecting pure CO2 in the probe before measurements. No dilution system was used, and the soil CO2 contents were also compared to hourly soil CO2 contents from the Passopisciaro station from the EtnaGas network, located less than 20 m far from the Delta Ray sampling point (Figure 1(f))


## 3. Results

### 3.1. Precision and Accuracy of Measurements

The Allan overlapped deviation (στ in ‰ [9]) was used to estimate the precision of the Delta Ray IRIS analyses (values reported in Appendix 1–Sheet 1). Using the dilution system, 99% of the maximum precision (<0.12‰ and <0.04‰) is obtained after 93 s and 97 s for δ13C and δ18O, respectively (median values). Without the dilution system, 99% of the maximum precision (<0.04‰ and <0.004‰) is obtained after 98 s and 99 s for δ13C and δ18O, respectively (median values). The precision of Delta Ray IRIS measurements is similar to that previously reported [9, 24]. Meanwhile, a small discrepancy of the precision is observed when using the dilution system (Figure 2).Figure 2
Raw signal (1 Hz) and overlapped Allan deviation obtained for 1800 s using a fixed range dilution system (yellow tube) forδ13C (a) and δ18O (b) and without a dilution system for δ13C (c) and δ18O (d). Red values and lines represent the theoretical signal expected from the analyzed sampling bag. Dashed square represents the subset of measurements (on a time τ required to obtain 99% of the precision) used to calculate the average value used for the test of accuracy. Box-and-whisker plots for the deviations of δ13C (e) and δ18O (f) measured values from theoretical values of reference gases used in this study (see Methods and Appendix 1).
(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)(f)To study the accuracy of Delta Ray IRIS analyses, the measurements of each raw series were averaged on the time (τ) required to obtain 99% of the maximum precision. Using the dilution system, the median accuracy is of 0.9‰ (maximum of 17.8‰ for the higher dilution wire) and 0.8‰ (maximum of 7.7‰ for the higher dilution wire) for δ13C and δ18O, respectively. Conversely, without the dilution system, a better accuracy is obtained with a median of 0.3‰ and 0.1‰, respectively (Figure 2). These last values are similar to those previously reported in other studies [9, 25, 26] and by the manufacturer (Thermo Fisher documentation). It is worth noting that previous studies are focused on the use of the Delta Ray IRIS without the dilution system. In our case, we document here that the use of the dilution system induces a longer time to stabilize the system (due to mixing in the tube and in the absorption cell [9]) and to avoid inaccurate and less precise measurements (Figure 2).To discriminate mixed values from those representative of the targeted gas sample (i.e.,contribution>99%), we have adapted a homemade Python script to apply a maximum likelihood method based on the use of a Gaussian mixture model implementing an expectation-maximization algorithm [14, 30]. It allows to determine when measurements start to be accurate (Figure 3). We find that mixed values are dominant during the first 113-797 s depending on the dilution wire used (from the blue one to the yellow one; Figure 1). It means that the user needs to wait for this time before recording reliable values or to apply a longer flushing time to clean the tube and the absorption cell (Figure 3). Dilution with the orange and gray wires (without the dilution system) does not require to wait for such time interval, with mixed values being eliminated during the flushing of the system in 35-60 s (Thermo Fisher documentation and [9]). By eliminating the mixed values, the accuracy of isotopic measurements improves greatly and reaches, whatever the wire, a median of 0.4‰ (against 0.9‰ on raw data) and of 0.1‰ (against 0.8‰ on raw data) for δ13C and δ18O, respectively (Figure 3). Furthermore, the precision becomes higher than previously reported: 99% of the maximum precision (<0.01‰ and <0.004‰) is obtained on average after 94 s and 97 s for δ13C and δ18O, respectively (median values). Both obtained precision and accuracy are similar to those reported without the use of the dilution system (Figure 3).Figure 3
Raw signal (1 Hz) and overlapped Allan deviation using a fixed range dilution system (yellow tube) obtained for 1800 s of measurements forδ13C (a) and δ18O (b) and with an additional flushing time of 600 s before the measurements of δ13C (c) and δ18O (d). Red values and lines represent the theoretical signal expected from the analyzed sampling bag. “Pop.” represents the gas population defined by the sample gas targeted (with 99% of confidence) whereas “Mix.” represents the gas mixture within the cell and the tubes measured at the beginning of the acquisition (see text for explanations). Dashed square represents the subset of measurements (on a time τ required to obtain 99% of the precision) used to calculate the average value used for the test of accuracy. Box-and-whisker plots for the deviations of δ13C (e) and δ18O (f) measured values from theoretical values of reference gases used in this study (see Methods and Appendix 1). “MLE” refers to the accuracy of the subset of measurements (with the dilution system) belonging to the population of interest (Pop.) obtained using the maximum likelihood estimator.
(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)(f)Averaging each series on the time (τ) required to obtain 95% of the maximum precision (instead of 99%) leads globally to a slight discrepancy on the accuracy (Appendix 3). However, the resulting median accuracy does not differ strongly and favors analysis on shorter times (τ95%<23s; τ99%<139s) when the volume of the sample gas is limited. An attempt was made to estimate accurate values by using a simple linear regression in a plot of δ13C or δ18O versus 1/CO2 (e.g., “extrapolation”) instead of averaging the series (e.g., “average”) during the time (τ) [11, 13]. The “extrapolation” leads to a slight discrepancy in accuracy with respect to the “averaging.” For this reason, in the following parts of this study, the accuracy will refer to values obtained by averaging series on the time (τ).


### 3.2. Analytical Factors Influencing Punctual Measurements

The effect of distinct analytical conditions on the precision and the accuracy of the Delta Ray IRIS (DR2) measurements was analyzed (seeMethods; Appendix 4). In our study, we find that the minimum time required to obtain 99% of the maximum precision (e.g., τ99%) is obtained when (Figure 4)
(i)
The low concentration peak of the12C16O16O isotopologue is integrated whatever the CO2 concentration between 200 and 3500 ppm. The high amplitude of this peak may favor a better integration(ii)
The dilution wire is used in its recommended range of CO2 concentrations (Figure 1(c); Thermo Fisher documentation)(iii)
The isotopic composition of the reference gas used is close to that of the sample gas(iv)
A higher flushing time and reference time is applied (c.f. Protocol1)Figure 4
Box-and-whisker plots for (a–d) the time required to reach 99% of the maximum precision and (e–h) the accuracy ofδ13C. Precision and accuracy are studied in function of the peak integration (a, e), the range of use of the dilution tube (b, f), the isotopic signature of the reference gas (c, g), and the kind of protocol applied for the flushing and reference analysis time (d, h). Details provided in the text and in Methods.
(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)(f)(g)(h)Meanwhile, differences observed on the precision by varying the analytical conditions remain limited (Figure4). They only involve, on average, a shift of few seconds to obtain a similar precision.Regarding the influence of analytical conditions on the accuracy, we note that the difference of isotopic signatures between the sample and reference gases does not generate a discrepancy. We find that the accuracy is more sensitive to (Figure4)
(i)
The choice of the integrated12C16O16O isotopologue peak. Like for the precision, a better accuracy is observed using the low concentration peak(ii)
The range of use of the dilution wires (Figure1(c); Thermo Fisher documentation). Like for the precision, a better accuracy is obtained when the dilution wires are used in their recommended range of CO2 concentrations(iii)
The choice of the protocol. Like for the precision, a better accuracy is obtained with Protocol1Regarding the last point, note that the use of Protocol2 leads to more inaccurate values. This protocol is based on a flushing time of 40 s, i.e., in the range recommended by the manufacturer (35 s) and by other studies (60 s [9]). But, the 20 s of analysis of the reference gas (instead of 180 s in Protocol 1) is probably insufficient to have a precise analysis of the reference gas. In fact, we have documented above a time of about 100 s to reach 99% of the maximum precision. Such short analysis time of the reference gas could explain the observed discrepancy on both the precision and the accuracy of the values obtained with Protocol 2.Importantly, comparable results are obtained on the two Delta Ray IRIS used in this study (DR1 and DR2; Appendix5). However, a greater accuracy is obtained on DR1 than on DR2. It is worthy to note that the power of the laser signal is two times greater for DR1 (≈0.45 μW) than for DR2 (≈0.21 μW) and could generate distinct precision and accuracy. Anyway, such result highlights the need to lead a careful analysis of the precision and the accuracy each time that a distinct Delta Ray is used. With respect to the above considerations, the following tests described in this study were performed by using optimal conditions of measurements (Table 1).


### 3.3. Instrumental Conditions Influencing Continuous Measurements

One major advantage of IRIS techniques with respect to more traditional ones (e.g., IRMS) is the possibility to perform (semi)continuous measurements at high temporal resolution. The objective in performing such measurements is mainly to track variations of carbon and oxygen isotopes of CO2 [9, 13]. However, the use of the dilution wires has demonstrated that an important time delay may exist (up to 797 s in our study with the yellow wire) before recording accurate measurements. This point may be critical when dealing with (semi)continuous series.The effect of gas mixing and potential induced time delay has been simulated in the laboratory by switching two reference gases isotopically distinct (Figure5). Without dilution, a good reproducibility between the theoretical curve and the measured one is observed (Figure 5(a)). Only a small time delay (Τ≈39s in this test) is recorded between the moment when the valve is switched and the moment when accurate measurements are obtained. This time delay is consistent with the response time of the system (Τ) where Τ=Τ1+Τ2, T1 is the time took by the gas to start entering in the absorption cell (≈9 s), and T2 is the time required to eliminate the mixing effect (≈30 s in this test). Similar time delay is reported by the manufacturer (35 s; Thermo Fisher) and by Braden-Behrens et al. [9] who estimated a time of about 47 s and 60 s to reach 99% and 99.9% of the maximum accuracy, respectively. This result sustains the need to apply a flushingtime>39s, as documented in our study, and preferentially >47 s to reach 95% and 99% of the maximum accuracy, respectively. When using the dilution system, the response time is considerably greater (>600 s in this study with the yellow dilution wire; Figure 5(b)). In this case, it appears necessary to estimate the response time of the device deployed when using the dilution system to reach accurate values (Figure 3). It also evidences the inability of the system to determine the real δ13C and δ18O signatures of a gas generating a perturbation when the time between two successive perturbations of the system is lower than T (Figure 5(b)). Fortunately, even if delayed (T1), the effect of a perturbation of the system will still be recorded (Figure 5(b)).Figure 5
Raw signal (1 Hz) of simulated mixing between two gas samples (δ13C=−39.3‰ and -1.3‰, respectively) by switching the valve each 10 min without the dilution system (a) and with the dilution (yellow) system (b). Τ1 is the time required for the gas to start entering in the absorption cell. Τ2 is the time required to eliminate the effect of gas mixing in the tube and the absorption cell. Red values and lines represent the theoretical signal expected from the analyzed sampling bag. (c) Example of potential long-term δ13C instability of the raw signal (1 Hz) for 30 min of measurements of a reference sampling bag. Δ99% and Δ95% are, on average, the maximum time for which the precision is better than 99% and 95% of the maximum precision, respectively (Appendix 1). (d) Synchronous variability of measured CO2 contents. (e) Long time acquisition (65 h) of δ13C values (averages on 15 min cycles in black) of a standard gas with a fixed isotopic composition. Synchronous variations of the internal Delta Ray IRIS cell pressure are reported (in red). (f) Synchronous long time acquisition (65 h) of diluted CO2 contents (averages on 15 min cycles in black; yellow wire) of a standard gas with a fixed CO2 amount. Synchronous variations of the power of the laser signal are reported (in red).
(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)(f)Applying long cycles of measurements appears thus necessary when performing continuous measurements based on the dilution system. On another hand, potential instabilities of the signal on some long time series acquired in the laboratory may occur (Figure5(c)). There, a lost in precision for both the δ13C and δ18O measurements may appear after about 13 min if no referencing is performed and occurs independently of the analyzed CO2 contents (Figures 5(c) and 5(d)). To investigate the origin of such discrepancy, a 65 h long time (semi)continuous series was obtained in the laboratory on a standard gas with a 15 min cycle of measurements (10 min of measurements and 5 min of flushing-referencing). This long time series of measurements reveals a slight dependence (correlations reported in Appendix 6) of CO2 isotopes on the temperature/power of the laser signal (R2<0.3) and on the internal pressure of the absorption cell (R2<0.15) (Figure 5(e)). Fortunately, this dependency on instrumental conditions only leads to a limited variability of isotopic measurements (σ=0.1‰). Conversely, measured CO2 contents are much more dependent on the temperature/power of the laser signal (R2>0.5) and on the internal pressure of the absorption cell (R2~0.5) (Figure 5(f); Appendix 6).


### 3.4. Influence of Environmental Conditions

Potential dependence on internal pressure-temperature variations raises interrogations about the response of the Delta Ray IRIS when deployed on the field and thus when subjected to environmental pressure-temperature variations. To study this effect, the Delta Ray IRIS was brought on Mount Etna at distinct altitudes (i.e., distinct pressures and pressures; Figure1(c)).In the first experiment, the Delta Ray IRIS was calibrated at sea level pressure (1017 mbar). Then, Multi-Layer Foil gas sampling bags (Restek) were filled with a reference gas and analyzed at different altitudes (between 0 and 2000 m above sea level) while the Delta Ray IRIS was embarked in a car, i.e., under distinct external pressure (803-1018 mbar) and temperature (7-25°C) conditions. During the test, some inaccurate measurements were obtained (accuracyΔ differing from -1.6‰ to 0.7‰ of the real δ13C value at -0.9‰) (Figure 6(a)). These inaccurate values are essentially present during the periods of car ascent and descent. Conversely, when the car was stabilized at constant altitude during complete reference-sample cycles of measurements (independently of the pressure-temperature), accurate measurements were recorded (Appendix 7). These important variations of the δ13C accuracy are not directly correlated (R2<0.08) with the instrumental conditions (e.g., temperature/power of the signal). In spite of important ambient pressure-temperature variations, the instrumental conditions remained broadly constant. The only exception is the internal pressure of the absorption cell that was strongly correlated (R2>0.98) with the ambient pressure. Actually, the δ13C accuracy and the gradient of the internal pressure of the absorption cell are slightly correlated (R2>0.15). The most inaccurate δ13C measurements (Δ=−1.6‰) were obtained when the pressure gradient in the absorption cell was the most important, i.e., when the atmospheric pressure showed the largest variations (ΔP≈34mbar) during a reference-sample cycle of measurements (400 s). Additionally, Multi-Layer Foil gas sampling bags (Restek) were filled with reference gases in the field at distinct altitudes and then analyzed in the laboratory under the same pressure-temperature conditions than for the internal calibration procedure. Even if the ambient pressure-temperature conditions strongly differ between the sampling sites (up to 2000 m above sea level) and the laboratory, isotopic measurements remained accurate (Figure 6(a)). These experiences highlight that the dependence of Delta Ray IRIS measurements on environmental conditions (sampling and analysis) is mainly linked to the pressure gradient during a cycle of reference-sample measurements.Figure 6
Dependence ofδ13C measurements on environmental conditions. (a) Accuracy of δ13C measurements of CO2 in function of the pressure of (i) analysis (in black; each 25 mbar) or of (ii) gas sampling (in gray). (b) Accuracy of δ13C measurements of CO2 in function of the time of gas storage in Multi-Layer Foil gas sampling bags (Restek). Green fields show the fields of accuracy of δ13C measurements determined in this study (DR1 and DR2).
(a)(b)With respect to the above considerations, it could sometimes appear preferable to sample gases before analyzing them at constant environmental conditions, i.e., in a place where the environmental conditions (e.g., pressure) do not differ strongly between successive measurements. In this case, the time of gas storage may be an issue due to the suitability of gas sampling containers for isotopic measurements [31–33]. Consequently, in the second experience, Multi-Layer Foil gas sampling bags (Restek) were filled with gas mixtures of dry CO2 (δ13C=−1.3 and -39.3‰) and CO2-free synthetic air and regularly analyzed for about 3 months. No temporal discrepancy of isotopic measurements was observed during this period (Figure 6(b)). This result confirms that Multi-Layer Foil gas sampling bags (Restek) are suitable samplers for punctual gas sampling and storing for at least 3 months.


### 3.5. Estimations of Real CO2 Contents from Diluted Ones

Determining the CO2 content of gas samples analyzed for stable isotopes is often crucial to characterize the origin of volcanic gases and the concentration change in atmosphere or in multicomponent mixing plots [11–13, 17, 34–36]. Conventional stable isotope analytical techniques such as the IRMS often require the use of an integrated gas chromatograph to obtain CO2 contents [17, 36]. As most of the other laser-based instruments, the Delta Ray IRIS is able to measure stable isotopes from CO2 content in the range 200-3500 ppm. But the instrument differs from the other by its ability to get measurements also at higher concentration (up to 100% CO2) through an innovative dilution system. Meanwhile, to our knowledge, no test was performed in order to evaluate the possibility to rebuild the real CO2 content from the diluted one displayed by the instrument. Here, we aim to study this possibility.Multi-Layer Foil gas sampling bags (Restek) were filled with a gas mixture of dry CO2 and synthetic air to obtain various CO2 contents between 1 and 95%. Three distinct gas mixtures were analyzed for each dilution wire. Diluted CO2 contents were then compared to CO2 contents determined by a gas chromatograph (Figure 7). We document here a perfect correlation (R2>0.99) between the diluted and real CO2 contents opening the possibility to measure CO2 contents in the full range of 200 ppm to ≈100% with the Delta Ray IRIS.Figure 7
Comparison between real CO2 contents and measured diluted ones from Delta Ray IRIS with either the (a) yellow, (b) pink, (c) blue, or (d) gray dilution wires. The two Delta Ray IRIS instruments available at the INGV Palermo (DR1 and DR2) were used for this test leading to distinct coefficients for the equation of linear regression. CO2 contents of reference gases varying from 1 to 95% (see Appendix 1).
(a)(b)(c)(d)It is worth noting that even if this correlation is observed for the two Delta Ray IRIS, the coefficients of the linear regression strongly differ. It mirrors the dependence of measured CO2 contents on the laser temperature/power, with the DR1 (≈0.45 μW) laser signal being two times more powerful than DR2 (≈0.21 μW). Actually, on the same instrument (e.g., DR1), the coefficients show also a significant variability when tests were performed at distinct dates, i.e., under distinct instrumental state of use (Figure 7(a)).


## 3.1. Precision and Accuracy of Measurements

The Allan overlapped deviation (στ in ‰ [9]) was used to estimate the precision of the Delta Ray IRIS analyses (values reported in Appendix 1–Sheet 1). Using the dilution system, 99% of the maximum precision (<0.12‰ and <0.04‰) is obtained after 93 s and 97 s for δ13C and δ18O, respectively (median values). Without the dilution system, 99% of the maximum precision (<0.04‰ and <0.004‰) is obtained after 98 s and 99 s for δ13C and δ18O, respectively (median values). The precision of Delta Ray IRIS measurements is similar to that previously reported [9, 24]. Meanwhile, a small discrepancy of the precision is observed when using the dilution system (Figure 2).Figure 2
Raw signal (1 Hz) and overlapped Allan deviation obtained for 1800 s using a fixed range dilution system (yellow tube) forδ13C (a) and δ18O (b) and without a dilution system for δ13C (c) and δ18O (d). Red values and lines represent the theoretical signal expected from the analyzed sampling bag. Dashed square represents the subset of measurements (on a time τ required to obtain 99% of the precision) used to calculate the average value used for the test of accuracy. Box-and-whisker plots for the deviations of δ13C (e) and δ18O (f) measured values from theoretical values of reference gases used in this study (see Methods and Appendix 1).
(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)(f)To study the accuracy of Delta Ray IRIS analyses, the measurements of each raw series were averaged on the time (τ) required to obtain 99% of the maximum precision. Using the dilution system, the median accuracy is of 0.9‰ (maximum of 17.8‰ for the higher dilution wire) and 0.8‰ (maximum of 7.7‰ for the higher dilution wire) for δ13C and δ18O, respectively. Conversely, without the dilution system, a better accuracy is obtained with a median of 0.3‰ and 0.1‰, respectively (Figure 2). These last values are similar to those previously reported in other studies [9, 25, 26] and by the manufacturer (Thermo Fisher documentation). It is worth noting that previous studies are focused on the use of the Delta Ray IRIS without the dilution system. In our case, we document here that the use of the dilution system induces a longer time to stabilize the system (due to mixing in the tube and in the absorption cell [9]) and to avoid inaccurate and less precise measurements (Figure 2).To discriminate mixed values from those representative of the targeted gas sample (i.e.,contribution>99%), we have adapted a homemade Python script to apply a maximum likelihood method based on the use of a Gaussian mixture model implementing an expectation-maximization algorithm [14, 30]. It allows to determine when measurements start to be accurate (Figure 3). We find that mixed values are dominant during the first 113-797 s depending on the dilution wire used (from the blue one to the yellow one; Figure 1). It means that the user needs to wait for this time before recording reliable values or to apply a longer flushing time to clean the tube and the absorption cell (Figure 3). Dilution with the orange and gray wires (without the dilution system) does not require to wait for such time interval, with mixed values being eliminated during the flushing of the system in 35-60 s (Thermo Fisher documentation and [9]). By eliminating the mixed values, the accuracy of isotopic measurements improves greatly and reaches, whatever the wire, a median of 0.4‰ (against 0.9‰ on raw data) and of 0.1‰ (against 0.8‰ on raw data) for δ13C and δ18O, respectively (Figure 3). Furthermore, the precision becomes higher than previously reported: 99% of the maximum precision (<0.01‰ and <0.004‰) is obtained on average after 94 s and 97 s for δ13C and δ18O, respectively (median values). Both obtained precision and accuracy are similar to those reported without the use of the dilution system (Figure 3).Figure 3
Raw signal (1 Hz) and overlapped Allan deviation using a fixed range dilution system (yellow tube) obtained for 1800 s of measurements forδ13C (a) and δ18O (b) and with an additional flushing time of 600 s before the measurements of δ13C (c) and δ18O (d). Red values and lines represent the theoretical signal expected from the analyzed sampling bag. “Pop.” represents the gas population defined by the sample gas targeted (with 99% of confidence) whereas “Mix.” represents the gas mixture within the cell and the tubes measured at the beginning of the acquisition (see text for explanations). Dashed square represents the subset of measurements (on a time τ required to obtain 99% of the precision) used to calculate the average value used for the test of accuracy. Box-and-whisker plots for the deviations of δ13C (e) and δ18O (f) measured values from theoretical values of reference gases used in this study (see Methods and Appendix 1). “MLE” refers to the accuracy of the subset of measurements (with the dilution system) belonging to the population of interest (Pop.) obtained using the maximum likelihood estimator.
(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)(f)Averaging each series on the time (τ) required to obtain 95% of the maximum precision (instead of 99%) leads globally to a slight discrepancy on the accuracy (Appendix 3). However, the resulting median accuracy does not differ strongly and favors analysis on shorter times (τ95%<23s; τ99%<139s) when the volume of the sample gas is limited. An attempt was made to estimate accurate values by using a simple linear regression in a plot of δ13C or δ18O versus 1/CO2 (e.g., “extrapolation”) instead of averaging the series (e.g., “average”) during the time (τ) [11, 13]. The “extrapolation” leads to a slight discrepancy in accuracy with respect to the “averaging.” For this reason, in the following parts of this study, the accuracy will refer to values obtained by averaging series on the time (τ).


## 3.2. Analytical Factors Influencing Punctual Measurements

The effect of distinct analytical conditions on the precision and the accuracy of the Delta Ray IRIS (DR2) measurements was analyzed (seeMethods; Appendix 4). In our study, we find that the minimum time required to obtain 99% of the maximum precision (e.g., τ99%) is obtained when (Figure 4)
(i)
The low concentration peak of the12C16O16O isotopologue is integrated whatever the CO2 concentration between 200 and 3500 ppm. The high amplitude of this peak may favor a better integration(ii)
The dilution wire is used in its recommended range of CO2 concentrations (Figure 1(c); Thermo Fisher documentation)(iii)
The isotopic composition of the reference gas used is close to that of the sample gas(iv)
A higher flushing time and reference time is applied (c.f. Protocol1)Figure 4
Box-and-whisker plots for (a–d) the time required to reach 99% of the maximum precision and (e–h) the accuracy ofδ13C. Precision and accuracy are studied in function of the peak integration (a, e), the range of use of the dilution tube (b, f), the isotopic signature of the reference gas (c, g), and the kind of protocol applied for the flushing and reference analysis time (d, h). Details provided in the text and in Methods.
(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)(f)(g)(h)Meanwhile, differences observed on the precision by varying the analytical conditions remain limited (Figure4). They only involve, on average, a shift of few seconds to obtain a similar precision.Regarding the influence of analytical conditions on the accuracy, we note that the difference of isotopic signatures between the sample and reference gases does not generate a discrepancy. We find that the accuracy is more sensitive to (Figure4)
(i)
The choice of the integrated12C16O16O isotopologue peak. Like for the precision, a better accuracy is observed using the low concentration peak(ii)
The range of use of the dilution wires (Figure1(c); Thermo Fisher documentation). Like for the precision, a better accuracy is obtained when the dilution wires are used in their recommended range of CO2 concentrations(iii)
The choice of the protocol. Like for the precision, a better accuracy is obtained with Protocol1Regarding the last point, note that the use of Protocol2 leads to more inaccurate values. This protocol is based on a flushing time of 40 s, i.e., in the range recommended by the manufacturer (35 s) and by other studies (60 s [9]). But, the 20 s of analysis of the reference gas (instead of 180 s in Protocol 1) is probably insufficient to have a precise analysis of the reference gas. In fact, we have documented above a time of about 100 s to reach 99% of the maximum precision. Such short analysis time of the reference gas could explain the observed discrepancy on both the precision and the accuracy of the values obtained with Protocol 2.Importantly, comparable results are obtained on the two Delta Ray IRIS used in this study (DR1 and DR2; Appendix5). However, a greater accuracy is obtained on DR1 than on DR2. It is worthy to note that the power of the laser signal is two times greater for DR1 (≈0.45 μW) than for DR2 (≈0.21 μW) and could generate distinct precision and accuracy. Anyway, such result highlights the need to lead a careful analysis of the precision and the accuracy each time that a distinct Delta Ray is used. With respect to the above considerations, the following tests described in this study were performed by using optimal conditions of measurements (Table 1).


## 3.3. Instrumental Conditions Influencing Continuous Measurements

One major advantage of IRIS techniques with respect to more traditional ones (e.g., IRMS) is the possibility to perform (semi)continuous measurements at high temporal resolution. The objective in performing such measurements is mainly to track variations of carbon and oxygen isotopes of CO2 [9, 13]. However, the use of the dilution wires has demonstrated that an important time delay may exist (up to 797 s in our study with the yellow wire) before recording accurate measurements. This point may be critical when dealing with (semi)continuous series.The effect of gas mixing and potential induced time delay has been simulated in the laboratory by switching two reference gases isotopically distinct (Figure5). Without dilution, a good reproducibility between the theoretical curve and the measured one is observed (Figure 5(a)). Only a small time delay (Τ≈39s in this test) is recorded between the moment when the valve is switched and the moment when accurate measurements are obtained. This time delay is consistent with the response time of the system (Τ) where Τ=Τ1+Τ2, T1 is the time took by the gas to start entering in the absorption cell (≈9 s), and T2 is the time required to eliminate the mixing effect (≈30 s in this test). Similar time delay is reported by the manufacturer (35 s; Thermo Fisher) and by Braden-Behrens et al. [9] who estimated a time of about 47 s and 60 s to reach 99% and 99.9% of the maximum accuracy, respectively. This result sustains the need to apply a flushingtime>39s, as documented in our study, and preferentially >47 s to reach 95% and 99% of the maximum accuracy, respectively. When using the dilution system, the response time is considerably greater (>600 s in this study with the yellow dilution wire; Figure 5(b)). In this case, it appears necessary to estimate the response time of the device deployed when using the dilution system to reach accurate values (Figure 3). It also evidences the inability of the system to determine the real δ13C and δ18O signatures of a gas generating a perturbation when the time between two successive perturbations of the system is lower than T (Figure 5(b)). Fortunately, even if delayed (T1), the effect of a perturbation of the system will still be recorded (Figure 5(b)).Figure 5
Raw signal (1 Hz) of simulated mixing between two gas samples (δ13C=−39.3‰ and -1.3‰, respectively) by switching the valve each 10 min without the dilution system (a) and with the dilution (yellow) system (b). Τ1 is the time required for the gas to start entering in the absorption cell. Τ2 is the time required to eliminate the effect of gas mixing in the tube and the absorption cell. Red values and lines represent the theoretical signal expected from the analyzed sampling bag. (c) Example of potential long-term δ13C instability of the raw signal (1 Hz) for 30 min of measurements of a reference sampling bag. Δ99% and Δ95% are, on average, the maximum time for which the precision is better than 99% and 95% of the maximum precision, respectively (Appendix 1). (d) Synchronous variability of measured CO2 contents. (e) Long time acquisition (65 h) of δ13C values (averages on 15 min cycles in black) of a standard gas with a fixed isotopic composition. Synchronous variations of the internal Delta Ray IRIS cell pressure are reported (in red). (f) Synchronous long time acquisition (65 h) of diluted CO2 contents (averages on 15 min cycles in black; yellow wire) of a standard gas with a fixed CO2 amount. Synchronous variations of the power of the laser signal are reported (in red).
(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)(f)Applying long cycles of measurements appears thus necessary when performing continuous measurements based on the dilution system. On another hand, potential instabilities of the signal on some long time series acquired in the laboratory may occur (Figure5(c)). There, a lost in precision for both the δ13C and δ18O measurements may appear after about 13 min if no referencing is performed and occurs independently of the analyzed CO2 contents (Figures 5(c) and 5(d)). To investigate the origin of such discrepancy, a 65 h long time (semi)continuous series was obtained in the laboratory on a standard gas with a 15 min cycle of measurements (10 min of measurements and 5 min of flushing-referencing). This long time series of measurements reveals a slight dependence (correlations reported in Appendix 6) of CO2 isotopes on the temperature/power of the laser signal (R2<0.3) and on the internal pressure of the absorption cell (R2<0.15) (Figure 5(e)). Fortunately, this dependency on instrumental conditions only leads to a limited variability of isotopic measurements (σ=0.1‰). Conversely, measured CO2 contents are much more dependent on the temperature/power of the laser signal (R2>0.5) and on the internal pressure of the absorption cell (R2~0.5) (Figure 5(f); Appendix 6).


## 3.4. Influence of Environmental Conditions

Potential dependence on internal pressure-temperature variations raises interrogations about the response of the Delta Ray IRIS when deployed on the field and thus when subjected to environmental pressure-temperature variations. To study this effect, the Delta Ray IRIS was brought on Mount Etna at distinct altitudes (i.e., distinct pressures and pressures; Figure1(c)).In the first experiment, the Delta Ray IRIS was calibrated at sea level pressure (1017 mbar). Then, Multi-Layer Foil gas sampling bags (Restek) were filled with a reference gas and analyzed at different altitudes (between 0 and 2000 m above sea level) while the Delta Ray IRIS was embarked in a car, i.e., under distinct external pressure (803-1018 mbar) and temperature (7-25°C) conditions. During the test, some inaccurate measurements were obtained (accuracyΔ differing from -1.6‰ to 0.7‰ of the real δ13C value at -0.9‰) (Figure 6(a)). These inaccurate values are essentially present during the periods of car ascent and descent. Conversely, when the car was stabilized at constant altitude during complete reference-sample cycles of measurements (independently of the pressure-temperature), accurate measurements were recorded (Appendix 7). These important variations of the δ13C accuracy are not directly correlated (R2<0.08) with the instrumental conditions (e.g., temperature/power of the signal). In spite of important ambient pressure-temperature variations, the instrumental conditions remained broadly constant. The only exception is the internal pressure of the absorption cell that was strongly correlated (R2>0.98) with the ambient pressure. Actually, the δ13C accuracy and the gradient of the internal pressure of the absorption cell are slightly correlated (R2>0.15). The most inaccurate δ13C measurements (Δ=−1.6‰) were obtained when the pressure gradient in the absorption cell was the most important, i.e., when the atmospheric pressure showed the largest variations (ΔP≈34mbar) during a reference-sample cycle of measurements (400 s). Additionally, Multi-Layer Foil gas sampling bags (Restek) were filled with reference gases in the field at distinct altitudes and then analyzed in the laboratory under the same pressure-temperature conditions than for the internal calibration procedure. Even if the ambient pressure-temperature conditions strongly differ between the sampling sites (up to 2000 m above sea level) and the laboratory, isotopic measurements remained accurate (Figure 6(a)). These experiences highlight that the dependence of Delta Ray IRIS measurements on environmental conditions (sampling and analysis) is mainly linked to the pressure gradient during a cycle of reference-sample measurements.Figure 6
Dependence ofδ13C measurements on environmental conditions. (a) Accuracy of δ13C measurements of CO2 in function of the pressure of (i) analysis (in black; each 25 mbar) or of (ii) gas sampling (in gray). (b) Accuracy of δ13C measurements of CO2 in function of the time of gas storage in Multi-Layer Foil gas sampling bags (Restek). Green fields show the fields of accuracy of δ13C measurements determined in this study (DR1 and DR2).
(a)(b)With respect to the above considerations, it could sometimes appear preferable to sample gases before analyzing them at constant environmental conditions, i.e., in a place where the environmental conditions (e.g., pressure) do not differ strongly between successive measurements. In this case, the time of gas storage may be an issue due to the suitability of gas sampling containers for isotopic measurements [31–33]. Consequently, in the second experience, Multi-Layer Foil gas sampling bags (Restek) were filled with gas mixtures of dry CO2 (δ13C=−1.3 and -39.3‰) and CO2-free synthetic air and regularly analyzed for about 3 months. No temporal discrepancy of isotopic measurements was observed during this period (Figure 6(b)). This result confirms that Multi-Layer Foil gas sampling bags (Restek) are suitable samplers for punctual gas sampling and storing for at least 3 months.


## 3.5. Estimations of Real CO2 Contents from Diluted Ones

Determining the CO2 content of gas samples analyzed for stable isotopes is often crucial to characterize the origin of volcanic gases and the concentration change in atmosphere or in multicomponent mixing plots [11–13, 17, 34–36]. Conventional stable isotope analytical techniques such as the IRMS often require the use of an integrated gas chromatograph to obtain CO2 contents [17, 36]. As most of the other laser-based instruments, the Delta Ray IRIS is able to measure stable isotopes from CO2 content in the range 200-3500 ppm. But the instrument differs from the other by its ability to get measurements also at higher concentration (up to 100% CO2) through an innovative dilution system. Meanwhile, to our knowledge, no test was performed in order to evaluate the possibility to rebuild the real CO2 content from the diluted one displayed by the instrument. Here, we aim to study this possibility.Multi-Layer Foil gas sampling bags (Restek) were filled with a gas mixture of dry CO2 and synthetic air to obtain various CO2 contents between 1 and 95%. Three distinct gas mixtures were analyzed for each dilution wire. Diluted CO2 contents were then compared to CO2 contents determined by a gas chromatograph (Figure 7). We document here a perfect correlation (R2>0.99) between the diluted and real CO2 contents opening the possibility to measure CO2 contents in the full range of 200 ppm to ≈100% with the Delta Ray IRIS.Figure 7
Comparison between real CO2 contents and measured diluted ones from Delta Ray IRIS with either the (a) yellow, (b) pink, (c) blue, or (d) gray dilution wires. The two Delta Ray IRIS instruments available at the INGV Palermo (DR1 and DR2) were used for this test leading to distinct coefficients for the equation of linear regression. CO2 contents of reference gases varying from 1 to 95% (see Appendix 1).
(a)(b)(c)(d)It is worth noting that even if this correlation is observed for the two Delta Ray IRIS, the coefficients of the linear regression strongly differ. It mirrors the dependence of measured CO2 contents on the laser temperature/power, with the DR1 (≈0.45 μW) laser signal being two times more powerful than DR2 (≈0.21 μW). Actually, on the same instrument (e.g., DR1), the coefficients show also a significant variability when tests were performed at distinct dates, i.e., under distinct instrumental state of use (Figure 7(a)).


## 4. Discussion

Tests performed in this study have allowed to identify and evaluate the influence of various instrumental and environmental conditions on both the precision and the accuracy of the Delta Ray IRIS. Based on these results, we here discuss induced recommendations and protocols to perform isotopic measurements from either (i) punctual or (ii) (semi)continuous volcanic CO2 emissions.


### 4.1. Punctual Gas Sampling

Tests performed with two distinct protocols (Table1) on the flushing time and on the time of analysis of the reference gas have demonstrated that better precision and accuracy are obtained using 60 s of flushing time with 180 s of analysis of the reference gas. It is consistent with (i) calculations made by Braden-Behrens et al. [9] showing that 99% of the maximum accuracy is reached after 47 s without the use of the dilution system and (ii) our results showing that, in all our measurements, 99% of the maximum precision is obtained after 135 s. Consequently, we recommend to define protocols using at least 47 s of flushing time and 135 s of sample and reference gas analysis to reach 99% of the maximum precision and accuracy. Similarly, at least 39 s of flushing time and 23 s of sample and reference gas analysis should lead to 95% of the maximum precision and accuracy. In particular, we pointed out here that evoked times of 135 s and 23 s represent the maximum times in our dataset required to obtain 99% and 95% of the maximum precision, respectively, whatever the instrumental configuration used. Consequently, they allow to cover any potential discrepancy on the precision documented in our study linked to the choice of the peak integration, the range of use of the dilution tube (recommended or possible), and the choice of the isotopic signature of the reference gas (Figure 4). Furthermore, when adapting the dilution system on the Delta Ray IRIS, we have documented in our study the need to consider additional mixing times depending on the dilution wire used. These mixing times (maximum of 113 s to 797 s depending on the wire) have to be taken into consideration by increasing the flushing time of the sample gas before the analysis (Figure 3). It leads us to a median accuracy of
(i)
0.37‰ and 0.16‰ onδ13C and δ18O, respectively, using 99% of the maximum precision(ii)
0.39‰ and 0.20‰ onδ13C and δ18O, respectively, using 95% of the maximum precisionThese values are consistent with those obtained from other studies around 0.25-0.30‰ [25, 26]. In any case, we recommend the use of the integrated 12C16O16O isotopologue peak at 4.3280 μm (i.e., low concentration peak) to obtain a better accuracy (Figure 4) even if the user’s manual recommends to use “low” integration only for samples with CO2contants<1500ppm.Based on the total minimum time required by each connection wire to obtain accurate and precise measurements (summed from the previous paragraph) and the corresponding flow rate documented by the manufacturer (Thermo Fisher documentation), the minimum volume of gas that has to be sampled to perform precise and accurate analysis with the Delta Ray IRIS may be estimated (Figure8). We found that filling conventional volcanic gas samplers (e.g., 1 L Multi-Layer bags, ≈100 mL stainless steel samplers, ≈50 mL glass samplers, or 12 mL Exetainer vials) at 1 bar and with a CO2 content exceeding 0.35% is sufficient for analysis of the stable isotopic composition of CO2 using the Delta Ray IRIS. Tests performed on soil CO2 gas samples collected at Stromboli in 1 L Multi-Layer bags and in 12 mL Exetainer vials and analyzed using our proposed protocols (Figure 8) show an accuracy better than 0.25‰ on δ13C and a median accuracy of 0.11‰ that is similar to that obtained from IRMS (e.g., 0.15‰) (Appendix 8). Without the dilution system, i.e., for CO2content<0.35%, filling 1 L Multi-Layer bags allows also to perform isotopic measurements. For such CO2 contents, measurements from stainless steel samplers or glass samplers may be considered through few adaptions of the system as (i) taking replicates or (ii) diluting gas sample with CO2-free synthetic air in order to increase the volume. In the last case, the user has to take care to reach a final CO2 content above the lower limit of use of the instrument (200 ppm). Without the dilution system, the analysis of Exetainer vials appears compromised and requires the use of other more traditional techniques such as the IRMS. A similar recommendation is also available for gas released by crystal crushing whose CO2 concentrations are generally <2000 ppm in a 16 mL glass tube [37, 38].Figure 8
Assumption on the use of distinct gas samplers to perform analysis with the Delta Ray IRIS: (a) Multi-Layer bag (>1 L), (b) stainless steel sampler (≈100 mL), (c) glass sampler (≈50 mL), and (d) Exetainer vials (12 mL). (e) Estimation of the minimum volume of gas required to obtain precise (99% and 95% of the maximum precision) and accurate measurements in function of the dilution tube (or without) for the full range of CO2 contents from 200 ppm to 100%. Green-filled cells for accurate gas samplers. Red-filled cells for inaccurate gas samplers. In the last case, the reported exposant highlights either the number of similar gas samplers required to perform the analysis (see text for explanations).
(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)Finally, this study has revealed that long time cycles (>13 min) of Delta Ray IRIS measurements may generate a variability in the analysis of CO2 isotopes and contents (Figure 5). It is mainly linked to laser temperature/power and internal pressure fluctuations. This instrumental dependence suggests two main recommendations to increase the precision and the accuracy of the measurements:
(i)
Delta Ray IRIS measurements have to be performed without fast ambient pressure variations. In our test performed on Mount Etna by embarking the Delta Ray IRIS in a car, we have noted that a better accuracy is obtained when the car was stopped, independently of the pressure-temperature shift between the calibration and analysis sites. However, fast ambient pressure variations during a cycle of reference-sample analysis may lead to inaccurate measurements. In our case, we calculated that the accuracy ofδ13C measurements is on average better than 0.3‰ when the pressure gradient does not exceed 0.5 mbar/min (≈4 m/min of vertical ascension) and 0.5‰ when the pressure gradient does not exceed 2.5 mbar/min (≈20 m/min of vertical ascension). We thus recommend to take care of the ascension speed when the Delta Ray IRIS is embarked in a car or helicopter during the measurements(ii)
Instrumental stability has to be regularly monitored in a similar way that for other laser-based technics as Raman spectrometry for instance [39](iii)
In the case of recalculations of CO2 contents from diluted ones, in addition to the monitoring of the instrumental stability, we recommend during a session of measurements to frequently analyze at least two concentration reference gases with distinct known CO2 contents under the same diluting condition (e.g., the same wire) in order to evaluate the variability affecting the coefficients of the equation of linear regression


### 4.2. Continuous Gas Sampling

Analyzing volcanic gases directly on the field with Delta Ray IRIS has led to the development of a plethora of homemade protocols with different integration times, analysis times, and referencing and flushing times [13, 27]. Based on the results of the study, we have deployed on Mount Etna (Sicily, Italy) during 24 hours Delta Ray IRIS (DR1) to measure the isotopic composition of soil CO2 emissions (Figure 1). The following protocol was used:
(i)
No fast ambient pressure variations (>0.5 mbar/min) were recorded during the test(ii)
Flushing and analysis times of the reference gas were fixed at 60 s and 180 s to obtain more than 99% of the maximum precision and accuracy(iii)
Flushing time of the gas sample was fixed at 180 s to take into account the time delay of about 3 min related to the gas path (5 m long stainless steel tubing). Measurements were performed without the dilution system (CO2contents<3500ppm) and thus do not require extra flushing time(iv)
Analysis time of the gas sample was fixed at 480 s. This time is greater than the 135 s threshold required to reach more than 99% of the maximum precision and lower than 13 min to limit the effect of instrumental deviations. This time allows to perform, each hour, a 15 min cycle including the analysis of the reference and gas samples followed by 45 minutes of standby(v)
Instrumental conditions were monitored. The 24 h of acquisition was performed under stable instrumental conditions with a relative variability of the laser temperature/power and of the internal pressure of the absorption cell lower than 2%In these conditions, soil CO2 content measured by the Delta Ray IRIS varies from 1179 to 2225 ppm during the 24 h of data acquisition. At the same time, soil CO2 content from the Passopisciaro station of the EtnaGas network (less than 20 m far) varies from 1357 to 1933 ppm and shows a similar signal trend (Figure 9(a)). It reflects changes in the soil CO2 flux and is not linked to instrumental variations. On the same interval of time, the carbon isotopic signature of CO2 varies from -16.9‰ to -21.2‰ (Figure 9(b)). On the basis of both CO2 and related δ13C, three periods may be discriminated (Figure 9(b)):
(i)
The first one (P1) is marked by low CO2 contents (1179-1781 ppm) and the most positive δ13C values (>-19.0‰)(ii)
The second period (P2) shows variable CO2 contents (1340-2215 ppm) with quite constant δ13C values ranging between -19.4 and -19.9‰(iii)
The third period (P3) is characterized by the highest CO2 contents (1704-2225 ppm) together with the lowest δ13C values ranging between -20.1 and -21.2‰Figure 9
Time series of semicontinuousδ13C measurements from soil CO2 flux at Passopisciaro during 24 hours on January 29 and 30, 2019. (a) Comparison between molar CO2 content in soil measured with the Delta Ray IRIS (black) and from the permanent station of the EtnaGas network less than 20 m far. (b) Comparison between molar CO2 content in soil (black) and related δ13C values (red) measured with the Delta Ray IRIS. Comparison between δ13C values from soil CO2 (red) measured with the Delta Ray IRIS and (c) the air temperature (blue) and (d) the windspeed (green) from the Passopisciaro permanent station. (e) Plot of δ13C versus CO2 concentration obtained from soil CO2 using the Delta Ray IRIS. Magmatic end-member (δ13C=−2.2‰; CO2=1000000ppm) for Mount Etna, air values (δ13C=−8.0‰; CO2=380ppm), and biogenic end-member (δ13C=−24.7‰; CO2=1000000ppm) from [17, 24]. (f) Zoom of the plot of δ13C versus CO2 concentration. P1 (purple) for the period marked by air mixing in the probe. P2 (orange) for the night period. P3 (yellow) for the day period. “Anomalous” δ13C values during the P2 period diverging from the main air-biogenic mixing line highlighted with orange arrows.
(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)(f)It is now well established that soil CO2 flux may be subjected to the influence of environmental conditions such as pressure, temperature, and windspeed for the main ones [40–42]. In the short dataset presented in this study, correlations between either CO2 contents or δ13C values and environmental parameters acquired by the Passopisciaro soil CO2 flux station are limited to R2<0.3 (Appendix 9). However, considering only the periods P2 and P3, a greater correlation between δ13C values and the temperature is observed (R2>0.5). Actually, higher CO2 contents and δ13C values observed during P3 with respect to P2 occur at higher temperatures, i.e., during the day between 11:00 and 17:00 (local time) (Figures 9(a) and 9(b)).To figure out this variability of CO2 contents and δ13C values, data were reported in a mixing plot between 3 components (magmatic, organic, and air; Figure 9(e) and related caption for details on the end-members). At a large scale, measurements are well represented (R2>0.6; Appendix 9) by a mixing curve between the air (δ13C=−8‰; CO2=380ppm) and an end-member (δ13C=−23.5‰; CO2=100%) very close to the organic end-members (Figure 9(e)). The detail in Figure 9(f) shows the variability of the isotopic signature and CO2 contents aforementioned, where the mixing plot confirms the greater contribution of air during P1. This period could correspond to the progressive emptying of the gas mixture between air and soil CO2 contained in the stainless steel probe inserted at 50 cm depth. Higher CO2 contents with the low δ13C signature measured during P3 are consistent with a greater contribution of the organic component during the day when the temperature increases [43, 44]. Regarding the P2 period, it is interesting to notice how some measurements are characterized by higher CO2 contents but without a decrease of δ13C values (orange arrows on Figure 9(f)) and may reflect a greater contribution of 13C-rich component. Even if the dataset presented in this study covers a very short time period and we cannot exclude that the observed changes are linked to a small modification in the isotope signature of the organic end-member (from -23.5 to -22.1‰), the results appear to be promising and could reflect high-frequency variations of soil CO2 emissions related to a magmatic contribution. In fact, if we assume the Etnean magmatic component having a δ13C=−2.2‰ and CO2=100% [24]; thus, the deep inorganic contribution would increase from ~5% to ~12% with respect to the organic end-member (Figure 9(e)). It is worth to note that during the same time, similar increases of the soil CO2 content were also recorded at the Passopisciaro station. This station belongs to the EtnaGas network where some variations of soil CO2 flux are known to be directly linked to the change of magmatic activity of Mount Etna [42]. This feature opens exciting prospects regarding volcano monitoring, and we strongly encourage further studies to focus on longer time series.


## 4.1. Punctual Gas Sampling

Tests performed with two distinct protocols (Table1) on the flushing time and on the time of analysis of the reference gas have demonstrated that better precision and accuracy are obtained using 60 s of flushing time with 180 s of analysis of the reference gas. It is consistent with (i) calculations made by Braden-Behrens et al. [9] showing that 99% of the maximum accuracy is reached after 47 s without the use of the dilution system and (ii) our results showing that, in all our measurements, 99% of the maximum precision is obtained after 135 s. Consequently, we recommend to define protocols using at least 47 s of flushing time and 135 s of sample and reference gas analysis to reach 99% of the maximum precision and accuracy. Similarly, at least 39 s of flushing time and 23 s of sample and reference gas analysis should lead to 95% of the maximum precision and accuracy. In particular, we pointed out here that evoked times of 135 s and 23 s represent the maximum times in our dataset required to obtain 99% and 95% of the maximum precision, respectively, whatever the instrumental configuration used. Consequently, they allow to cover any potential discrepancy on the precision documented in our study linked to the choice of the peak integration, the range of use of the dilution tube (recommended or possible), and the choice of the isotopic signature of the reference gas (Figure 4). Furthermore, when adapting the dilution system on the Delta Ray IRIS, we have documented in our study the need to consider additional mixing times depending on the dilution wire used. These mixing times (maximum of 113 s to 797 s depending on the wire) have to be taken into consideration by increasing the flushing time of the sample gas before the analysis (Figure 3). It leads us to a median accuracy of
(i)
0.37‰ and 0.16‰ onδ13C and δ18O, respectively, using 99% of the maximum precision(ii)
0.39‰ and 0.20‰ onδ13C and δ18O, respectively, using 95% of the maximum precisionThese values are consistent with those obtained from other studies around 0.25-0.30‰ [25, 26]. In any case, we recommend the use of the integrated 12C16O16O isotopologue peak at 4.3280 μm (i.e., low concentration peak) to obtain a better accuracy (Figure 4) even if the user’s manual recommends to use “low” integration only for samples with CO2contants<1500ppm.Based on the total minimum time required by each connection wire to obtain accurate and precise measurements (summed from the previous paragraph) and the corresponding flow rate documented by the manufacturer (Thermo Fisher documentation), the minimum volume of gas that has to be sampled to perform precise and accurate analysis with the Delta Ray IRIS may be estimated (Figure8). We found that filling conventional volcanic gas samplers (e.g., 1 L Multi-Layer bags, ≈100 mL stainless steel samplers, ≈50 mL glass samplers, or 12 mL Exetainer vials) at 1 bar and with a CO2 content exceeding 0.35% is sufficient for analysis of the stable isotopic composition of CO2 using the Delta Ray IRIS. Tests performed on soil CO2 gas samples collected at Stromboli in 1 L Multi-Layer bags and in 12 mL Exetainer vials and analyzed using our proposed protocols (Figure 8) show an accuracy better than 0.25‰ on δ13C and a median accuracy of 0.11‰ that is similar to that obtained from IRMS (e.g., 0.15‰) (Appendix 8). Without the dilution system, i.e., for CO2content<0.35%, filling 1 L Multi-Layer bags allows also to perform isotopic measurements. For such CO2 contents, measurements from stainless steel samplers or glass samplers may be considered through few adaptions of the system as (i) taking replicates or (ii) diluting gas sample with CO2-free synthetic air in order to increase the volume. In the last case, the user has to take care to reach a final CO2 content above the lower limit of use of the instrument (200 ppm). Without the dilution system, the analysis of Exetainer vials appears compromised and requires the use of other more traditional techniques such as the IRMS. A similar recommendation is also available for gas released by crystal crushing whose CO2 concentrations are generally <2000 ppm in a 16 mL glass tube [37, 38].Figure 8
Assumption on the use of distinct gas samplers to perform analysis with the Delta Ray IRIS: (a) Multi-Layer bag (>1 L), (b) stainless steel sampler (≈100 mL), (c) glass sampler (≈50 mL), and (d) Exetainer vials (12 mL). (e) Estimation of the minimum volume of gas required to obtain precise (99% and 95% of the maximum precision) and accurate measurements in function of the dilution tube (or without) for the full range of CO2 contents from 200 ppm to 100%. Green-filled cells for accurate gas samplers. Red-filled cells for inaccurate gas samplers. In the last case, the reported exposant highlights either the number of similar gas samplers required to perform the analysis (see text for explanations).
(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)Finally, this study has revealed that long time cycles (>13 min) of Delta Ray IRIS measurements may generate a variability in the analysis of CO2 isotopes and contents (Figure 5). It is mainly linked to laser temperature/power and internal pressure fluctuations. This instrumental dependence suggests two main recommendations to increase the precision and the accuracy of the measurements:
(i)
Delta Ray IRIS measurements have to be performed without fast ambient pressure variations. In our test performed on Mount Etna by embarking the Delta Ray IRIS in a car, we have noted that a better accuracy is obtained when the car was stopped, independently of the pressure-temperature shift between the calibration and analysis sites. However, fast ambient pressure variations during a cycle of reference-sample analysis may lead to inaccurate measurements. In our case, we calculated that the accuracy ofδ13C measurements is on average better than 0.3‰ when the pressure gradient does not exceed 0.5 mbar/min (≈4 m/min of vertical ascension) and 0.5‰ when the pressure gradient does not exceed 2.5 mbar/min (≈20 m/min of vertical ascension). We thus recommend to take care of the ascension speed when the Delta Ray IRIS is embarked in a car or helicopter during the measurements(ii)
Instrumental stability has to be regularly monitored in a similar way that for other laser-based technics as Raman spectrometry for instance [39](iii)
In the case of recalculations of CO2 contents from diluted ones, in addition to the monitoring of the instrumental stability, we recommend during a session of measurements to frequently analyze at least two concentration reference gases with distinct known CO2 contents under the same diluting condition (e.g., the same wire) in order to evaluate the variability affecting the coefficients of the equation of linear regression


## 4.2. Continuous Gas Sampling

Analyzing volcanic gases directly on the field with Delta Ray IRIS has led to the development of a plethora of homemade protocols with different integration times, analysis times, and referencing and flushing times [13, 27]. Based on the results of the study, we have deployed on Mount Etna (Sicily, Italy) during 24 hours Delta Ray IRIS (DR1) to measure the isotopic composition of soil CO2 emissions (Figure 1). The following protocol was used:
(i)
No fast ambient pressure variations (>0.5 mbar/min) were recorded during the test(ii)
Flushing and analysis times of the reference gas were fixed at 60 s and 180 s to obtain more than 99% of the maximum precision and accuracy(iii)
Flushing time of the gas sample was fixed at 180 s to take into account the time delay of about 3 min related to the gas path (5 m long stainless steel tubing). Measurements were performed without the dilution system (CO2contents<3500ppm) and thus do not require extra flushing time(iv)
Analysis time of the gas sample was fixed at 480 s. This time is greater than the 135 s threshold required to reach more than 99% of the maximum precision and lower than 13 min to limit the effect of instrumental deviations. This time allows to perform, each hour, a 15 min cycle including the analysis of the reference and gas samples followed by 45 minutes of standby(v)
Instrumental conditions were monitored. The 24 h of acquisition was performed under stable instrumental conditions with a relative variability of the laser temperature/power and of the internal pressure of the absorption cell lower than 2%In these conditions, soil CO2 content measured by the Delta Ray IRIS varies from 1179 to 2225 ppm during the 24 h of data acquisition. At the same time, soil CO2 content from the Passopisciaro station of the EtnaGas network (less than 20 m far) varies from 1357 to 1933 ppm and shows a similar signal trend (Figure 9(a)). It reflects changes in the soil CO2 flux and is not linked to instrumental variations. On the same interval of time, the carbon isotopic signature of CO2 varies from -16.9‰ to -21.2‰ (Figure 9(b)). On the basis of both CO2 and related δ13C, three periods may be discriminated (Figure 9(b)):
(i)
The first one (P1) is marked by low CO2 contents (1179-1781 ppm) and the most positive δ13C values (>-19.0‰)(ii)
The second period (P2) shows variable CO2 contents (1340-2215 ppm) with quite constant δ13C values ranging between -19.4 and -19.9‰(iii)
The third period (P3) is characterized by the highest CO2 contents (1704-2225 ppm) together with the lowest δ13C values ranging between -20.1 and -21.2‰Figure 9
Time series of semicontinuousδ13C measurements from soil CO2 flux at Passopisciaro during 24 hours on January 29 and 30, 2019. (a) Comparison between molar CO2 content in soil measured with the Delta Ray IRIS (black) and from the permanent station of the EtnaGas network less than 20 m far. (b) Comparison between molar CO2 content in soil (black) and related δ13C values (red) measured with the Delta Ray IRIS. Comparison between δ13C values from soil CO2 (red) measured with the Delta Ray IRIS and (c) the air temperature (blue) and (d) the windspeed (green) from the Passopisciaro permanent station. (e) Plot of δ13C versus CO2 concentration obtained from soil CO2 using the Delta Ray IRIS. Magmatic end-member (δ13C=−2.2‰; CO2=1000000ppm) for Mount Etna, air values (δ13C=−8.0‰; CO2=380ppm), and biogenic end-member (δ13C=−24.7‰; CO2=1000000ppm) from [17, 24]. (f) Zoom of the plot of δ13C versus CO2 concentration. P1 (purple) for the period marked by air mixing in the probe. P2 (orange) for the night period. P3 (yellow) for the day period. “Anomalous” δ13C values during the P2 period diverging from the main air-biogenic mixing line highlighted with orange arrows.
(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)(f)It is now well established that soil CO2 flux may be subjected to the influence of environmental conditions such as pressure, temperature, and windspeed for the main ones [40–42]. In the short dataset presented in this study, correlations between either CO2 contents or δ13C values and environmental parameters acquired by the Passopisciaro soil CO2 flux station are limited to R2<0.3 (Appendix 9). However, considering only the periods P2 and P3, a greater correlation between δ13C values and the temperature is observed (R2>0.5). Actually, higher CO2 contents and δ13C values observed during P3 with respect to P2 occur at higher temperatures, i.e., during the day between 11:00 and 17:00 (local time) (Figures 9(a) and 9(b)).To figure out this variability of CO2 contents and δ13C values, data were reported in a mixing plot between 3 components (magmatic, organic, and air; Figure 9(e) and related caption for details on the end-members). At a large scale, measurements are well represented (R2>0.6; Appendix 9) by a mixing curve between the air (δ13C=−8‰; CO2=380ppm) and an end-member (δ13C=−23.5‰; CO2=100%) very close to the organic end-members (Figure 9(e)). The detail in Figure 9(f) shows the variability of the isotopic signature and CO2 contents aforementioned, where the mixing plot confirms the greater contribution of air during P1. This period could correspond to the progressive emptying of the gas mixture between air and soil CO2 contained in the stainless steel probe inserted at 50 cm depth. Higher CO2 contents with the low δ13C signature measured during P3 are consistent with a greater contribution of the organic component during the day when the temperature increases [43, 44]. Regarding the P2 period, it is interesting to notice how some measurements are characterized by higher CO2 contents but without a decrease of δ13C values (orange arrows on Figure 9(f)) and may reflect a greater contribution of 13C-rich component. Even if the dataset presented in this study covers a very short time period and we cannot exclude that the observed changes are linked to a small modification in the isotope signature of the organic end-member (from -23.5 to -22.1‰), the results appear to be promising and could reflect high-frequency variations of soil CO2 emissions related to a magmatic contribution. In fact, if we assume the Etnean magmatic component having a δ13C=−2.2‰ and CO2=100% [24]; thus, the deep inorganic contribution would increase from ~5% to ~12% with respect to the organic end-member (Figure 9(e)). It is worth to note that during the same time, similar increases of the soil CO2 content were also recorded at the Passopisciaro station. This station belongs to the EtnaGas network where some variations of soil CO2 flux are known to be directly linked to the change of magmatic activity of Mount Etna [42]. This feature opens exciting prospects regarding volcano monitoring, and we strongly encourage further studies to focus on longer time series.


## 5. Conclusion

For few years, the development of the isotope ratio infrared spectrometer (IRIS) has opened new prospects on the isotopic analysis of CO2 emissions directly on the field and/or at high frequency. In this study, we suggest technical and analytical protocols for the use of the Delta Ray IRIS (Thermo Scientific Inc., Waltham, USA), currently one of the most used IRIS techniques, by testing the influence of analytical, instrumental, and environmental conditions on the precision and accuracy of CO2 isotope measurements.Our results show that the choice of the integrated12C16O16O isotopologue peak, the range of use of dilution wires, flushing/analysis times, and the pressure gradient have the major influence on the precision and the accuracy of the measurements. More precise and accurate measurements are obtained when
(i)
integrating the CO2 concentration peak at 4.3280 μm(ii)
using the dilution wires in their recommended range(iii)
the ambient pressure gradient is lower than 0.5 mbar/min during a cycle of reference-sample analysisOur results emphasize also the ability of the Delta Ray IRIS to perform isotope measurements for a large range of CO2 concentration (200 ppm–100%) thanks to a dilution system. They show that a reliable estimation of the real CO2 content may be obtained from the diluted one.Performance tests have demonstrated that the volume of gas stored in traditional gas samplers (e.g., Multi-Layer bags, stainless steel sampler, glass sampler, or Exetainer vials) is theoretically sufficient to obtain precise and accurate measurements of CO2 isotopes for contents above 3500 ppm, i.e., with the use of the dilution system. Conversely, lower CO2 contents (200-3500 ppm) require a higher volume of gas favoring the use of Multi-Layer bags that were tested to be suitable for a gas storage time up to at least 100 days.Like other laser-based techniques such as Raman spectrometry, it appears fundamental to monitor the conditions of use of the Delta Ray IRIS, such as the power/temperature of the laser signal, to guarantee long-term precise and accurate measurements. This point is crucial for the recalculation of CO2 contents from diluted ones or in the prospects of (semi)continuous monitoring of volcanic CO2 emissions. In particular, we recommend a regular analysis of known CO2 content standards to cover the uncertainty linked to the variability of instrumental conditions on the equations of calibration of real/diluted CO2 contents. Through an adapted protocol to the use of the Delta Ray IRIS instrument available at the INGV Palermo, we have shown that hourly monitoring of CO2 contents and isotopes from peripheral soil gas emissions on Mount Etna presents a real variability that open exciting prospects for volcano monitoring.



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*Source: 4598190-2020-08-01.xml*