The isotope Geochemistry Delta-Lab analyzes stable isotopes of hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur with the following equipment:

Delta-Lab analysis equipment

• PRISM-III Mass Spectrometer with a static mode analytical system (Dual Inlet) and dynamic mode analytical systems (GC-IRMS, EA-CF-IRMS)
• Delta Plus ^XL Mass Spectrometer with 3 dynamic mode analytical systems: Gas Bench II, TC/EA-IRMS and GC/TC-IRMS

Delta-Lab sample preparation ramps

• Acid digestion at controlled temperature (CO₂ from mixed carbonates)
• Silicate extraction line (in collaboration with the Geology and Geological engineering Department, Laval University)
• Cellulose extraction and nitration lines

Delta-Lab Extraction room

Prism III and CG-IRMS

With this equipment, the Delta-Lab can cover the whole range of stable isotopic tracers applied to studies in hydrogeology, environmental research, metallogeny, diagenesis and sedimentology, by analysing isotopes from waters, dissolved components, organic matter, hydrocarbons, minerals, and reactive host-rocks.

Delta Plus XL and GC/TC-IRMS (Anna Smirnov and Marc Luzincourt)

Delta Plus XL, Gas Bench II and Robot

• Monitoring of metals in the environment and distinction between natural and anthropogenic accumulations. "DINAMITE" project (Dendrogeochemical Investigation of Natural and Anthropogenic Metals In The Environment). Work conducted in the scope of the GSC MITE program (Savard, Bégin, Parent) and in collaboration with the MITE Research Network (Hale et al., Guelph) and the University of New Mexico (Z. Sharp). Acitivites directed by M.M. Savard, GSC-Québec.

• Groundwater characterization - Fractured aquifers from southwestern Quebec, St. Lawrence Lowlands. Work conducted in partnership with Economic Development Canada, the Quebec provincial departments of environment and Transport, the Conseil régional de développement des Laurentides, and the Regional County Municipalities of Argenteuil, Deux-Montagnes, Mirabel and Thérèse-de-Blainville. The scientific collaboration comprises the GSC, INRS, Evironment Canada, Laval University, Queen's University and the United States Geological Survey. Project directed by M.M. Savard, GSC-Québec.

• Isotopic characterization and study of water circulation in granular aquifers of the Portneuf Regional County Municipality. Work conducted in collaboration with the Portneuf MRC, the Quebec provincial department of environment, Laval University, INRS and the GSC. Project directed by Y. Michaud, GSC-Québec.

• Isotopic study of carbon in gases derived from an organic cover - Relationship with the degradation mechanisms in the East Sullivan tailing (Quebec). Project directed by N. Tassé, INRS-ETE.

• Alteration effects of mineralising/hydrothermal fluids in carbonate-hosted base metal deposits. Investigation of calcareous, sideritized, dolomitized and brecciated units.
  • NATMAP project on the Laurentian Margin of Eastern Canada, Project directed by D. Lavoie, GSC-Québec.
  • Collaborative research with the CMT (Compagnie Minière de Touissit), Morocco (A. Wadjinny) and the École Polytechnique de Montréal (A. Brown).
  • Research partnership with Laval University (P-A Bourque) and ONAREP (Morocco).
  • Research on hydrocarbon characterization by GC-IRMS, in collaboration with GSC-Calgary (M. Fowler), R. Bertrand (INRS-ETE) and the Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences, New Zealand (K. Rogers).

• Hydrocarbon and base metal potential in the Quebec Appalachians. Diagenetic studies of carbonate sequences and their fracturing systems. Collaborative research with Shell Canada (G. Lynch), Laval University (D. Kirkwood), INRS (M. Malo) and the GSC (D. Lavoie).

• Martine M. Savard, Ph.D., responsible for research and development, GSC
• Marc Ricot Luzincourt, B.Sc., research technologist, GSC
• Anna Smirnoff, M.Sc., physical scientist, GSC
• Xiaohong Hou, M.Sc. student, INRS-ETE
• Vincent Cloutier, Ph.D. student, INRS-ETE
• Stéphane Séjourné, Ph.D. student, INRS-ETE
• Patrice Tremblay, Ph.D. student, INRS-ETE.

• Geochemistry of stable isotopes (M. Savard, G. Beaudoin)

• Denis Lavoie, Ph.D., sedimentologist, GSC
• René Lefebvre, Ph.D., hydrogeologist, INRS-ETE
• Normand Tassé, Ph.D., environmental researcher, INRS-ETE
• Georges Beaudoin, Ph.D., geochemist, Laval University
• Martine M. Savard, Ph.D., isotopist, GSC.

For more information, please contact Martine M. Savard