The naturally occurring isotope ratios of individual organic compounds were first measured more than 60 years ago, yet the application of compound-specific isotope analysis (CSIA) within oceanic settings is still limited. In this overview, I will describe the types of compounds and isotopes currently accessible to CSIA, some examples of diverse applications in the study of marine organic matter, and practical considerations that currently limit the application of these techniques for studies of marine organic materials such as dissolved organic matter, animal growth bands, and microbial cells. I will present possible outlooks for the future of the field and invite discussion. While the most common instrumental techniques for CSIA have been in use for more than 30 years, the field currently lies at a frontier for possible revolution using high resolution mass spectrometry. The oceanic applications of CSIA also lie at a frontier, with the potential for global-scale data sets within reach and analysis of microscale materials and difficult-to-access environments becoming more achievable.

Primary Presenter: Hilary Close, University of Miami (hclose@miami.edu)

Authors:

Hilary Close, University of Miami  (hclose@miami.edu)