Preparation of water samples for carbon-14 dating
For most natural water, a large sample is required to provide the 3 grams of carbon needed for a carbon-14 determination. A field procedure for isolating total dissolved-carbonate species is described. Carbon dioxide gas is evolved by adding sulfuric acid to the water sample; the gas is then collected in a sodium hydroxide trap by recycling in a closed system. The trap is then transported to the dating laboratory where the carbon-14 is counted.
Citation Information
Publication Year | 1963 |
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Title | Preparation of water samples for carbon-14 dating |
DOI | 10.3133/cir480 |
Authors | H.R. Feltz, Bruce B. Hanshaw |
Publication Type | Report |
Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
Series Title | Circular |
Series Number | 480 |
Index ID | cir480 |
Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |