About the Project
Carbon isotope analysis is a crucial tool for tracing biogeochemical processes, yet effective differentiation of organic and inorganic carbon components often requires targeted pre-treatment, such as acidification or bleaching, to isolate specific carbon pools prior to analysis. While total organic carbon (TOC) is typically analysed using an elemental analyser coupled to an isotope ratio mass spectrometer (IRMS), this approach aggregates all organic carbon within a sample, limiting its capacity…
to distinguish between labile and refractory carbon fractions. By isolating carbon based on temperature-dependent decomposition, it is possible to obtain distinct isotopic signatures for more recently assimilated, labile carbon versus older, more stable carbon pools. Furthermore, this method provides insights into the relative contributions of different organic carbon sources within a sample, and the linkages between thermal stability and organic matter composition.
Our project seeks to validate an innovative approach to temperature-dependent carbon isotope differentiation using the Elementar soli TOC cube and isoprime precisION IRMS. By varying combustion temperatures and analysing the resulting CO₂ isotope signatures, we aim to achieve high-resolution differentiation of both organic and inorganic carbon fractions within the same sample. Additionally, this approach will allow for the isotopic characterisation of specific organic carbon pools, providing enhanced precision in the analysis of complex environmental matrices.
Methodological development will focus on optimising analytical procedures and combustion parameters, as well as testing across diverse sample matrices to ensure reproducibility and accuracy. The outcomes of this work are expected to advance our ability to resolve carbon sources and transformations in heterogeneous environmental samples, offering new opportunities for carbon cycle research in soils, sediments, and other carbon-rich systems. The system will offer efficient isotopic analysis of different carbon sources on a single sample aliquot.
The project will be based at Loughborough University and the British Geological Survey (BGS), utilising the existing soli TOC cube and isoprime precisION IRMS instrumentation in the BGS Stable Isotope Facility. The project will include stipend funding and academic and technical supervision from Elementar, including opportunity to visit their operational base in Manchester and/or elsewhere. In addition, the BGS will provide in-kind support to the PhD student covering academic supervision, technical training, and application science input, as well as access to office and laboratory working space.
94% of Loughborough’s research impact is rated world-leading or internationally excellent. REF 2021
Supervisors
- Primary supervisor: Dr Helen Glanville
- Secondary supervisor: Dr Savannah Worne
Entry requirements
A 2:1 honours degree in a relevant subject (e.g. Geography, Environmental Science, Analytical Chemistry, Geoscience, Geology, Chemical Engineering)
English language requirements
Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website.
Fees and funding
The studentship, part funded by Elementar and the University, is for 3 years full-time and provides a tax-free stipend of £21,805 per annum for the duration of the studentship plus tuition fees at the UK rate.
Due to funding restrictions, this is only available to those eligible for UK fees. Studentships may be available on a pro-rata basis for part-time study.
How to apply
All applications should be made online. Under Campus, please select Loughborough and select Programme Geography and Environment. Please quote the advertised reference number SSH-HG-26 in your application.
To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit the minimum supporting documents. The following selection criteria will be used by academic schools to help them make a decision on your application.