Development of an Analytical Method for Total Organic Carbon Determination in Marine Sediments and Validation of the Results through an Isotopic Approach
This study presents the optimization and validation of a direct acidification protocol integrated with EA-IRMS (Elemental Analyzer - Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry) analysis for the accurate determination of Total Organic Carbon (TOC) in marine sediments. The method overcomes the limitations of traditional techniques—such as analytical bias from incomplete decarbonation or sample degradation—by using carbon isotope signature (δ13C) monitoring as an ultra-sensitive indicator of inorganic carbon removal. Validated using Certified Reference Materials and real matrices, the protocol was successfully implemented in a case study in the Southern Adriatic Sea, proving its reliability in tracing the environmental sources (terrestrial vs. marine) of organic matter and supporting modern environmental monitoring policies.
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