Technical note: Discrete in situ vapor sampling for subsequent lab-based water stable isotope analysis

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Barbara Herbstritt - , University of Freiburg (Author)
  • Benjamin Gralher - , University of Freiburg, TUD Dresden University of Technology (Author)
  • Stefan Seeger - , University of Freiburg (Author)
  • Michael Rinderer - , University of Freiburg (Author)
  • Markus Weiler - , University of Freiburg (Author)

Abstract

Methodological advancements have been made in in situ observations of water stable isotopes that have provided valuable insights into ecohydrological processes. The continuous measurement capabilities of laser-based analyzers allow for high temporal resolutions and non-destructive minimally invasive study designs of such in situ approaches. However, isotope analyzers are expensive, heavy, and require shelter and access to electrical power, which impedes many in situ assays. Therefore, we developed a new inexpensive technique to collect discrete water vapor samples in the field via diffusion-Tight inflatable bags that can later be analyzed in the lab. In a series of structured experiments, we tested different procedural settings, bag materials, and closure types for diffusion tightness during storage as well as for practical handling during filling and extraction. To facilitate reuse of sampling bags, we present a conditioning procedure using ambient air as primer. In order to validate our method, direct measurements through hydrophobic in situ probes were compared to repeated measurements of vapor sampled with our bags from the same source. All steps are summarized in a detailed standard operating procedure (SOP). This procedure represents the preparation and measurement of calibration and validation vapor standards necessary for processing of unknown field-collected vapor samples in the foreseen application. By performing pertinent calibration procedures, accuracy was better than 0.4ĝ€¯‰ for 18O and 1.9ĝ€¯‰ for 2H after 1ĝ€¯d of storage. Our technique is particularly suitable when used in combination with minimally invasive water vapor sampling in situ probes that have already been employed for soils and tree xylem. It is an important step towards minimally invasive monitoring of stable isotope distributions and also time series in virtually undisturbed soils and trees without the need to have an analyzer in the field. It is therefore a promising tool for many applications in ecohydrology and meteorology.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)3701-3718
Number of pages18
JournalHydrology and earth system sciences
Volume27
Issue number20
Publication statusPublished - 20 Oct 2023
Peer-reviewedYes