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Differentiating between Biogenic and Fossil Substances

Besides stable isotopes that are not subject to radioactive decay, non-stable variants of elements also exist with matching half-lives.

In the case of carbon, in addition to stable variants, the radioactive isotope ¹⁴C also occurs in nature, formed in the upper atmosphere through cosmic radiation.

From there, it spreads throughout the atmosphere as carbon dioxide before finally entering biomass and, with it, the entire food chain.

While fossil fuels such as coal, petroleum, or natural gas no longer contain ¹⁴C due to their long-term preservation in soil, renewable resources contain the maximum amount of ¹⁴C. This only decreases once biological activity ceases - that is, when the organism dies.

 ¹⁴C analysis (based on the liquid scintillation counting method) therefore offers various opportunities for differentiating between renewable and fossil substances; for example, in the lubricant, paper, and cement industries.

Applications

• Determination of the biogenic ratio in lubricants (detection of mixtures possible)
• Distinction between natural and synthetic base substances (for example: flavors, alcohol)
• Determination of biogenic ratio in fuels used in the cement industry
• Detection of exogenous carbon dioxide additives in sparkling wine

Standort

Agroisolab