Hofstetter, Thomas

RERO DOC Digital Library

BOOKS AND SOFTWARE IN REVIEWMaik A. Jochmann and Torsten C. Schmidt:Compound-specific stable isotope analysisThomas B. HofstetterPublished online: 25 January 2013# Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2013Books’ topic The analysis of stable isotope ratios in individ-ual compounds is becoming an established method in theanalytical chemist’s toolbox. The on-line coupling of chro-matographic separation and isotope ratio mass spectrometrymakes it possible to identify sources and precursor materialsof a target compound from isotopic fingerprints even if it ispresent in a complex matrix. The raising number of applica-tion of compound-specific stable isotope analysis (CSIA), forexample, in (environmental) forensics, doping control, andfood authentication is evidence for its increasing importance.CSIA also offers novel avenues to track, for example, trans-formation processes of organic groundwater contaminants, bymaking use of systematic variation of stable isotope compo-sitions associated with (bio)chemical reactions. However,CSIA requires dedicated instrumentation, a lot of expertknowledge, and often years of hands-on experience. Thetextbook-like companion by Jochmann and Schmidt willmake this method more accessible and the book is a welcomepromotion for a promising analytical tool.Contents The art of CSIA is described in seven chapters. Inthe introductory one, the authors briefly summarize histori-cal and instrumental developments that have led to the state-of-the art and they make the important distinction betweenbulk and compound-specific techniques.Chapter two is devoted to basic concepts that are appliedthroughout the book. A short excursion to the structure of atomsis made to define essential isotope-related terms in physicalchemistry. Following the latest IUPAC definitions, expressionsare given for isotope-amount fractions, isotope ratios, and the δ-scale with which isotope distributions at natural abundances arequantified. Terms and expressions are exemplified for the ele-ments covered in this book, namely H, C, N, O, S, Cl, and Br.The chapter closes with derivations for the interpretation ofkinetic and equilibrium isotope fractionation.Chapters 3 to 5 are the core part of the book and contain awealth of practical information. The authors thoroughlyguide readers through the essential parts of an isotope ratiomass spectrometer and its inlet systems before turning to thecoupling to gas and liquid chromatography (Chapter 3).Some essential aspects of chromatography with particularrelevance for isotopic analyses are reviewed here. Chapter 4is devoted to sample preparation and includes a discussionof strategies for organic compound derivatization. Chapter 5deals with calibration, referencing, and normalization ofisotope ratio data and provides practical hints for qualityassurance in stable isotope laboratories.A large selection of illustrative applications of CSIA isgiven in Chapter 6. Following a short introduction to currentchallenges in the fields of authenticity control of foodand beverages, forensics, archaeology, doping control,environmental sciences, and extraterrestrial matter,BibliographyCompound-specific stable iso-tope AnalysisMaik A. Jochmann and TorstenC. SchmidtRoyal Society of ChemistryISBN: 978-1-84973-157-7Hardcover, 250 pagesDecember 2012, £55.99T. B. Hofstetter (*)Environmental Chemistry, Eawag, Überlandstrasse 133,8600 Dübendorf, Switzerlande-mail: Thomas.Hofstetter@eawag.chAnal Bioanal Chem (2013) 405:2753–2754DOI 10.1007/s00216-013-6729-0the authors illustrate the important contributions thatisotopic analysis in individual compounds can make.The book ends with a summary of ongoing analyticaldevelopments. Each chapter is accompanied with an exten-sive list of references and a selection of links to electronicillustrative materials.Comparison with existing literature This book is dedicatedto analytical approaches to isotope ratio measurements andfocuses almost exclusively on the isotopic analyses in indi-vidual compounds after their chromatographic separation.With this strategy, the authors follow an alternative path tostable isotope analysis and research. Many other monographsin the field deal with isotopes and isotopically substitutedmolecules in the context of a scientific discipline or field ofapplication, for example, in chemistry (Wolfsberg et al., Iso-tope Effects in Chemical,Geological, and Bio Sciences 2010),ecology (Dawson & Siegwolf (Eds.), Stable Isotopes as Indi-cators of Ecological Change 2007), and forensics (Meier-Augenstein, Stable Isotope Forensics 2010) to name just afew. In this context, instrumental aspects of isotope analysesare usually of minor concern or not focussed on CSIA. Thelatter is covered in detail in handbooks (e.g., de Groot (Ed.),Handbook of stable isotope analytical techniques 2004/2009)and review articles. This part of the scientific literature typi-cally addresses the specific questions of experts rather thanthose of novices, which need a step-by-step introduction.Critical assessment The strong emphasis on practicalaspects of CSIA together with their systematic presentationmakes this book a highly welcome resource for CSIA-practitioners. Thanks to the detailed description of typ-ical instrumentation, its correct operation, and possiblepitfalls, the information in this book covers all theimportant points for successful isotope ratio determina-tion. Stable isotope lab managers will be able to reviewtheir procedures based on the contents of chapters 3 to5. Newcomers, in contrast, can find a coherent intro-duction to a sophisticated piece of instrumentation to-gether with a consistent presentation of the basicterminology.The more fundamental knowledge is shown togetherwith practical recommendations, which is particularlyvaluable for non-expert readers. The illustrative topicsand applications of Chapter 6 are well-suited to make acase for stable isotope analysis and an excellent moti-vation for future contributors to CSIA. This part of thebook can also provide guidance to lecturers in search ofsuitable examples for their stable isotope classes.Summary and readership recommendation Compound-specific Stable Isotope Analysis is presumably the first bookto make this advanced technique accessible to a broaderaudience. The book is an excellent support for isotope-related laboratory courses on MSc and PhD studentlevel, where it will be used for practical advise as wellas for background reading. Experienced researchers andscience consultants will appreciate having this book ontheir shelves as a quick reference to a versatile anddeveloping analytical technique.2754 T.B. Hofstetter

Maik A. Jochmann and Torsten C. Schmidt: Compound-specific stable isotope analysis

http://doc.rero.ch/record/315990/files/216_2013_Article_6729.pdf

Maik A. Jochmann and Torsten C. Schmidt: Compound-specific stable isotope analysis

Abstract

Similar works

Full text

Available Versions

RERO DOC Digital Library