The Stable Isotopes Laboratory of Palermo began its activity towards the end of the 80s within the Fluid Geochemistry Institute of the National Research Council (CNR), which then merged into the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) . Inside, determinations are made of the isotopic ratios of light elements such as hydrogen, carbon, oxygen and nitrogen in solid, liquid and gaseous samples. The isotopic composition of any substance (a rock, a water, a gas, but also a compound of organic origin) can be assimilated to a "fingerprint" which therefore allows both to identify the process and the environmental conditions in which the substance has been produced, and to qualitatively and quantitatively evaluate any secondary processes that have modified its original isotopic composition. Giorgio Capasso, researcher and laboratory manager, answered some curiosities about his research activity.
What are the main activities of the Laboratory?
The main activities of the stable isotopes laboratory can be divided into two sectors: the first, of analytical support to the geochemical surveillance activities of volcanic activity and to the institutional research lines of both the Palermo Section and other Sections of the Institute; the second sector, on the other hand, deals with the technological development of the laboratory both in terms of upgrading the instruments present and expanding the geochemical parameters analysed. In the field of geochemical surveillance of volcanic activity, the study of isotopic ratios and compositional ratios of the fluid phases circulating in active volcanic systems has been applied to many volcanic systems to identify the genesis and evolution of the emitted fluids. The Laboratory therefore supports numerous research activities of the Section and of the Institute.
What equipment is the laboratory equipped with?
The Laboratory has advanced and innovative analytical instruments based on IRMS (Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry) mass spectrometry techniques equipped with automated systems that allow for carrying out isotopic analyzes in numerous organic and inorganic substances. Four latest generation mass spectrometers are currently in operation for the analysis of isotope ratios in natural waters (meteoric, marine, surface and groundwater), in fumarole condensates, in volcanic gases, in natural and atmospheric gases, in fossils and in carbonate rocks. There are also four laser spectrophotometers, two of which are also transportable and allow for isotopic determinations to be made directly in the field or in mobile laboratories.
What are the fields of application of your research?
The study of light stable isotopes was initially applied to geochemistry and cosmochemistry, but over the years the spectrum of investigation has expanded to other sectors such as biology, archeology, agronomy, medicine, forensic sciences and, last but not least, also in the food one. In general, in geosciences the isotopic composition represents both a genetic indicator and a process indicator, in the sense that it allows to identify the origin of the elements in the analyzed compounds, but also to identify post-genetic processes that have modified the original composition . In particular, it applies to hydrogeological studies for the characterization of groundwater recharge and circulation processes; on fossils, speleothems, meteoric waters and ice cores for present and past climatology studies; in magmatic, geothermal and hydrothermal fluids for monitoring active volcanic areas, for assessing the potential of natural geothermal systems or for identifying the relationships between terrestrial geodynamics and natural outgassing.
You also indicated the application in the medical and food fields. How?
In the medical field, the so-called "breath test" is now commonly performed, a non-invasive method for diagnosing Helicobacter Pylori infection: it is based on the simple determination of the carbon isotopic ratio of carbon dioxide in human breath. Furthermore, IRMS analytical techniques are also officially used by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to identify "sports doping" phenomena. In the food field, however, through the isotopic composition of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen, it is possible to identify phenomena of adulteration in many foods (wine and spirits in general, olive oil, honey, milk, fruit juices, flour ) and in natural essences (vanillin, essential oils).
What relationship do you have with the "outside world", specifically institutions, technology companies, etc.?
Thanks to the experience gained over the years and under the stimulus of the specific research needs of which the Laboratory has been a part, close collaborations have been developed with leading technological partners in the field of mass spectrometry which have led to the development of new analytical methodologies and the creation of "ad hoc" instruments. Also in this context, the stable isotope laboratory of the Palermo section has been reported by some manufacturing companies as a demonstration laboratory, for some of the methodologies and instruments developed by the professionalism of the personnel who work there.
Photo 1 - Giorgio Capasso, head of the stable isotope laboratory in Palermo
Photo 2 - Stable Isotopes Laboratory – INGV Palermo