Hi,

I am just starting out in the business of isotope analysis and have a
question that I hope the more experienced of you can help me out with.
I am studying the C12/C13 composition of mysids, small marine shrimp,
which I will be collecting near Vancouver Island.  Before I head out to
British Columbia, I plan on burning my filter papers (which, later in the
summer, will be the surface on which I place the mysids for baking prior
to isotopic analysis). My question is this: How should I store the filter
papers from the time that I burn them until I do my mysid isotope
analysis? I have been told that wrapping them in paper or plastic could
introduce new carbon and alter my results. Someone has suggested tin
foil....Is this a good idea? If so, do I need to burn it along with the
filter paper? If not, what is a better suggestion?

Thanks for your help,
Lindsey Mulkins