• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
• /
• v.51 no.6
• /
• pp.262-271
• /
• 2008

Natural abundances of stable isotopes of nitrogen and carbon (${\delta}^{15}N$ and ${\delta}^{13}C$) are being widely used to study N and C cycle processes in plant and soil systems. Variations in ${\delta}^{15}N$ of the soil and the plant reflect the potentially variable isotope signature of the external N sources and the isotope fractionation during the N cycle process. $N_2$ fixation and N fertilizer supply the nitrogen, whose ${\delta}^{15}N$ is close to 0%o, whereas the compost as. an organic input generally provides the nitrogen enriched in $^{15}N$ compared to the atmospheric $N_2$. The isotope fractionation during the N cycle process decreases the ${\delta}^{15}N$ of the substrate and increases the ${\delta}^{15}N$ of the product. N transformations such as N mineralization, nitrification, denitrification, assimilation, and the $NH_3$ volatilization have a specific isotope fractionation factor (${\alpha}$) for each N process. Variation in the ${\delta}^{13}C$ of plants reflects the photosynthetic type of plant, which affects the isotope fractionation during photosynthesis. The ${\delta}^{13}C$ of C3 plant is significantly lower than, whereas the ${\delta}^{13}C$ of C4 plant is similar to that of the atmospheric $CO_2$. Variation in the isotope fractionation of carbon and nitrogen can be observed under different environmental conditions. The effect of environmental factors on the stomatal conductance and the carboxylation rate affects the carbon isotope fractionation during photosynthesis. Changes in the environmental factors such as temperature and salt concentration affect the nitrogen isotope fractionation during the N cycle processes; however, the mechanism of variation in the nitrogen isotope fractionation has not been studied as much as that in the carbon isotope fractionation. Isotope fractionation factors of carbon and nitrogen could be the integrated factors for interpreting the effects of the environmental factors on plants and soils.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
• /
• v.34 no.4
• /
• pp.284-291
• /
• 2001

To study whether N isotope composition (${\delta}^{15}N$) of crop reflects the kind of fertilizer (chemical or organic) applied to field, a pot experiment was conducted. Corn (Zea mays L.) was cultivated under greenhouse conditions for 70 days. Composted pig manure and urea were applied at 0 and 0 (C0U0), at 0 and 300 (COU2), at 300 and 0 (C2U0) and at 150 and $150kg\;N\;ha^{-1}$ (C1U1), respectively. The ${\delta}^{15}N$ values of composted pig manure and urea were + 13.9‰ and -2.3‰, respectively. The ${\delta}^{15}N$ values of whole parts (roots + stems + leaves + grains) were + 12.7, + 12.9, + 14.0 and + 13.0‰ for C0U0, C0U2, C2U0 and C1U1 treatments, and were not significantly affected by the application of isotopically different N sources (P<0.05). However, leaves or grains showed significantly (P<0.05) different ${\delta}^{15}N$ values between treatments. The ${\delta}^{15}N$ values of leaves and grains were + 14.3 and + 16.2‰ for C2U0, +13.2 and +13.9‰ for C0U0, +10.1 and + 12.6‰ for C1U1 and +10.1 and +12.4‰ for C0U2 treatments. The different ${\delta}^{15}N$ values of corn from the values of N sources (compost and urea) applied to soil showed that the ${\delta}^{15}N$ values of corn were affected not only by the isotope composition of N source, but also by N pool mixing and isotope fractionation accompanying N transformation. This study suggests that although the ${\delta}^{15}N$ values of crop are not identical to the ${\delta}^{15}N$ values of N sources applied to fields, the application of isotopically different N sources such as compost and chemical fertilizer may result in qualitative difference in ${\delta}^{15}N$ values of crop.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Marine Environment & Energy
• /
• v.13 no.1
• /
• pp.53-59
• /
• 2010

The spatial variability in the food chain structure of an estuarine environment(Nanakita estuarine, Japan) was investigated using stable carbon and nitrogen isotope. Potential organic matter sources(TP:Terrstrial Plant, MPOM:Marine particulate organic matter, BMA:Benthic microalgae, EPOM:Estuarine particulate organic matter), sedimentary organic matter and benthic invertebrates(Nuttallia olivacea and Nereidae) were sampled at four locations with different tidal flat types(e.g. sanddy, sanddy-muddy and muddy). The main objective of the present study was to determine food sources of Nuttallia olivacea and Nereidae along with small-scale spatial variability within the community of benthic invertebrates. TP(${\delta}^{13}C=-26.6{\pm}0.76$ and ${\delta}^{15}N=2.7{\pm}0.31$) and EPOM(${\delta}^{13}C=-25.5{\pm}0.13$ and ${\delta}^{15}N=5.2{\pm}0.46$) were isotopically distinct from BMA(${\delta}^{13}C=-16.3$ and ${\delta}^{15}N=6.2$) and MPOM(${\delta}^{13}C=-19.6{\pm}0.08$ and ${\delta}^{15}N=8.9{\pm}1.70$). ${\delta}^{13}C$ values of sedimentary organic matter showed a distinct gradient in the range of -27.4 to -22.8‰ with a declining trend from the upstream to the downstream stations. The stable carbon and nitrogen isotope values of benthic invertebrates in the study site was -22.8 to -18.4‰ for ${\delta}^{16}C$ and 8.1 to 11.9‰ or ${\delta}^{15}N$, respectively. Mixing model(Isosource) calculations based on stable isotope measurements showed that benthic invertebrates of Nuttallia olivacea and Nereidae were found to be dominated by MPOM and BMA in stations. Whereas, TP and EPOM showed little influence to benthic invertebrates. The current result suggests that the different contribution for benthic invertebrates should be affected by both seasonal variation and physical factor among stations.

• Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineers
• /
• v.33 no.2
• /
• pp.132-136
• /
• 2011

The Temporal variability in the food chain structure of bacteria in the sedimentary organic matter was investigated using stable isotope and fatty acid. Potential organic matter sources (Land plant, Marine POM, benthic microalgae, Riverine POM), sedimentary organic matter and bacteria were sampled in Gamo largoon and Nanakita estuary. The main objective of the present study was to determine food sources of bacteria along with temporal variability. Land plant (${\delta}^{13}C$ = -26.6‰ and ${\delta}^{15}N$ = 3.6‰) and Riverine POM (${\delta}^{13}C$ = -25.5‰ and ${\delta}^{15}N$ = 8.9‰) were isotopically distinct from benthic microalgae (${\delta}^{13}C$ = -16.3‰ and ${\delta}^{15}N$ = 6.2‰) and Marine POM (${\delta}^{13}C$ = -20.3‰ and ${\delta}^{15}N$ = 10.3‰). ${\delta}^{13}C$ values of sedimentary organic matter showed a distinct gradient in the range of -20.7‰ to -191‰. The stable carbon and nitrogen isotope values of bacteria in the study were -20.8‰ to -18.6‰ for ${\delta}^{13}C$ and 6.5‰ to 8.6‰ for ${\delta}^{15}N$. From this results based on stable isotope measurements showed that in the bacteria was found to be dominated by Marine POM and Benthicmicoralge during 0 to 20 day. Whereas, terrestrial plant and riverine POM showed little in fluence to bacteria during the experiment.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
• /
• v.99 no.3
• /
• pp.353-358
• /
• 2010

In this study, we investigated the relationship of tree-ring growth with total nitrogen content, and stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes from the core samples of Pinus koraiensis (35-year-old). Annual ring width showed significant positive correlations with the ${\delta}^{13}C$ (P=0.003). The total nitrogen content (P=0.024), and the ${\delta}^{13}C$ content was also correlated with total nitrogen content (P=0.038), indicating that the growth of P. koraiensis was stimulated as the contents of both ${\delta}^{13}C$ and total nitrogen were increased. On the other hand, the less the ${\delta}^{15}N$ content and the C/N ratio were, the larger the annual ring width was. Moreover the families with relatively better growth performance contained the higher levels of ${\delta}^{13}C$ in the xylem compared to other families. These results suggest that the ${\delta}^{13}C$ and total nitrogen contents are the important determinants in the growth performance of P. koraiensis.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
• /
• v.27 no.3
• /
• pp.279-284
• /
• 2009

In order to understand food sources-metabolism for the pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas), the stable isotope ratios of carbon (${\delta}^{13}C$) and nitrogen (${\delta}^{15}N$) of its gut, gill, and muscle as well as potential food sources (particulate organic matter, sedimentary organic matter, benthic microalgae, seagrass detritus) were determined in Dongdae Bay. Average ${\delta}^{13}C$ and ${\delta}^{15}N$ values reflect that oysters primarily fed on sedimentary organic matter as opposed to suspended organic matter during summer and winter seasons. However, the relatively enriched $^{15}N$ values of particulate organic matter (>$250{\mu}m$) and sedimentary organic matter in the summer may be due to the photosynthetic incorporation of $^{15}N$-enriched nitrogen (DIN) or the spawning events of bivalves. Specific oyster tissues (gut, gill, and muscle) revealed different metabolic pathways, which were determined through analysis of ${\delta}^{13}C$ and ${\delta}^{15}N$ in each organ. The present results suggest the determination of carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes to be a useful approach in ecological research related to the food sources- metabolism of Crassostrea gigas.

• ALGAE
• /
• v.32 no.4
• /
• pp.349-357
• /
• 2017

Korean mariculture Undaria pinnatifida was collected during the months of January, February, March, and December of 2010, as well as from January of 2011 to investigate the changes in the carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios (${\delta}^{13}C$ and ${\delta}^{15}N$) and heavy metal with respect to it growth and to identify the factors that influence such changes. The blades of U. pinnatifida showed ${\delta}^{13}C$ and ${\delta}^{15}N$ in the range (mean) of -13.11 to -19.42‰ (-16.93‰) and 2.99 to 7.57‰ (4.71‰), respectively. Among samples with the same grow-out period, those that weighed more tended to have higher ${\delta}^{13}C$ suggesting a close association between the carbon isotope ratio and growth rate of U. pinnatifida. Indeed, we found a very high positive linear correlation between the monthly average ${\delta}^{13}C$ and the absolute growth rate in weight ($r^2=0.89$). Nitrogen isotope ratio tended to be relatively lower when nitrogen content in the blade was higher, probably due to the strengthening of isotope fractionation stemming from plenty of nitrogen in the surrounding environment. In fact, a negative linear correlation was observed with the nitrate concentration in the nearby seawaters ($r^2=0.83$). Concentrations of Cu, Cd, Pb, Cr, Hg, and Fe in the blades showed a rapid decrease in their concentration per unit weight in the more mature U. pinnatifida. Specifically, compared to adult samples, Cu, Hg, and Pb were concentrated by 30, 55, and 73 folds, respectively, in the young blades. Therefore, U. pinnatifida tissue ${\delta}^{13}C$ is as an indirect indicator of its growth rate, while ${\delta}^{15}N$ values and heavy metal concentrations serve as tracers that reflect the environmental characteristics.

• Journal of Korean Society on Water Environment
• /
• v.31 no.2
• /
• pp.159-165
• /
• 2015

The organic matter sources of phytoplankton and related environmental factors influencing algal bloom in Paldang reservoir were studied using nitrogen and carbon isotope ratio(${\delta}^{15}N$, ${\delta}^{13}C$). Phytoplankton samples for stable isotope analysis were collected from four points in reservoir using a plankton net. Physicochemical water quality, algal taxa and hydrological data were collected from published monitoring material. Phytoplankton samples were analyzed by IRMS. CN ratio of each sample was very similar to that of phytoplankton from literature cited. ${\delta}^{15}N$ of each sample was decreased during July. Mixing and dilution of nitrogen sources due to increment of influx by concentrated rainfall were considered as the main reason for the decline of ${\delta}^{15}N$. Based on analyzed ${\delta}^{15}N$ value of each sample, nitrogen source of Bughan river sample was presumed to come from soil. The nitrogen sources of Namhan river and Kyeongan stream samples seemed to be sewage or animal waste. Low ${\delta}^{15}N$ value in August (2012) seemed to be influenced by isotope fractionation due to the blooming of nitrogen-fixation blue-green algae (Anabaena spp.). Variation in ${\delta}^{15}N$ values particularly by blue-green algal bloom was considered the important factor for estimating the organic matter sources of phytoplankton.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• v.41 no.2
• /
• pp.195-200
• /
• 2017

Background: The natural ratios of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and sulfur (S) stable isotopes can be varied in some specific living organisms owing to various isotopic fractionation processes in nature. Therefore, the analysis of C, N, and S stable isotope ratios in ginseng can provide a feasible method for determining ginseng authenticity depending on the cultivation land and type of fertilizer. Methods: C, N, and S stable isotope composition in 6-yr-old ginseng roots (Jagyeongjong variety) was measured by isotope ratio mass spectrometry. Results: The type of cultivation land and organic fertilizers affected the C, N, and S stable isotope ratio in ginseng (p < 0.05). The ${\delta}^{15}N_{AIR}$ and ${\delta}^{34}S_{VCDT}$ values in ginseng roots more significantly discriminated the cultivation land and type of organic fertilizers in ginseng cultivation than the ${\delta}^{13}C_{VPDB}$ value. The combination of ${\delta}^{13}C_{VPDB}$, ${\delta}^{15}N_{AIR}$, or ${\delta}^{34}S_{VCDT}$ in ginseng, except the combination ${\delta}^{13}C_{VPDB}-^{34}S_{VCDT}$, showed a better discrimination depending on soil type or fertilizer type. Conclusion: This case study provides preliminary results about the variation of C, N, and S isotope composition in ginseng according to the cultivation soil type and organic fertilizer type. Hence, our findings are potentially applicable to evaluate ginseng authenticity depending on cultivation conditions.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
• /
• v.41 no.3
• /
• pp.294-300
• /
• 2008

The stable isotopes ratios ($\delta^{13}C\;and\;\delta^{15}N$) of two coexisting species of zooplankton (Daphnia longispina and Acanthodiaptomus pacificus) and POM were determined in two alpine lakes in Japan. The difference of $\delta^{13}C$ between A. pacificus and D. longispina was 4.1$\pm$0.9‰ in Lake Shirakoma, which was larger than in Lake Panke. Whereas the difference of $\delta^{15}N$ between A. pacificus and D. longispina (2.6$\pm$0.8‰) was larger in Lake Panke than in Lake Shirakoma. $\delta^{13}C$ of POM (-26.6$\pm$1.2‰) in Lake Shirakoma was different from those of zooplankton; it was heavier than those of D. longispina and A. pacificus by 3.7$\pm$1.6‰ and 7.8$\pm$1.0‰, respectively. Whereas $\delta^{15}N$ of POM (2.0$\pm$0.8‰) was similar with those of both A. pacificus and D. longispina. This implies that the two lakes may have different trophic structure and food sources for zooplankton, and each species are grazing on selectively different components of POM. The temporal variation of $\delta^{13}C$ for each zooplankton species was associated with lipid contents of zooplankton in both lakes. The results showed that stable isotope composition of zooplankton can be an useful information for understanding energy pathways and trophic structures in lakes.