A comparison of two techniques to determine carbon-14 in environmental samples

Two methods for the analysis of 14C in environmental samples were directly compared. Nine vegetation samples and a sucrose standard were analyzed using the benzene synthesis and combustion techniques. The results obtained using both methods were in good agreement and show that 14C data obtained using either technique are comparable. The analytical requirements for the two techniques vary considerably. In choosing a technique, a variety of factors such as sensitivity, sample size, sample type, carbon content and how the results are to be expressed, need to be considered. (author)