Rapid procedure for preparing the 18O determination in water samples

A device for rapid delta18O analysis of water samples is described. It is based on the equilibrium isotopic exchange reaction between water and gaseous CO2. As compared to usual procedures the time needed for sample preparation could be reduced considerably. The measured values are temperature-dependent. Dependence on other conditions is less pronounced. With good temperature control the standard reproducibility of single measurements is better than 0.1 per mille. (author)