Stefan:

Presently, we roast lacustrine and marine sediments and soils in a tube
furnace at 350°C under vacuum to remove organic matter that might present
problems during Isocarb runs.  In the past, I have used hydrogen peroxide
with no problems on foraminifera.

Steve


>Dear isogeochemist
>I'd like to bring up a question presented by Valderez Pinto Ferreira a
>month ago.
>We have to analyze some "exotic" carbonate samples from a drain-trench for
>C and O isotopes. Unfortunately, the material is contaminated by strongly
>smelling "organics". As we donot want to ruin (?) our masspec and we donot
>own a plasma oven our questions are:
>is there an easy way to get rid of the contamination?
>Has there agreement been settled about the effects of H2O2 treatment?
>Are there newer references than that of Charef & Sheppard (1984) or any
>personal experiences?
>
>Any help will be highly apreciated,
>greetings
>Stefan


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