Hello!
I am planning to collect plant leaf samples for stable isotope analysis. I will be collecting them from the field and storing fresh tissue on ice. I have heard that bringing along a food dehydrator (and a generator?) is the best way to immediately dry them in the field. Are there any other suggestions for how to do this? Once dry, is it fine to leave them at room temperature in bags or should I bring along silica gel/other dessicants? How long can the dried specimens sit before being ground?
Thank you!
Immediate drying: Using a food dehydrator in the field is indeed an excellent method for quickly drying samples. This helps preserve the isotopic composition by halting biological processes. If a generator and dehydrator are not feasible, you could consider:
Portable solar-powered dryers
Silica gel desiccation chambers
Pressing samples between absorbent paper and frequently changing the paper
Drying temperature: Aim to dry samples at 50-60°C. Higher temperatures can alter the isotopic composition.
Storage after drying: Once thoroughly dried, samples can generally be stored at room temperature in clean, airtight containers or bags. However, using desiccants like silica gel can provide extra protection against moisture reabsorption, especially in humid environments.
Storage duration: Properly dried and stored samples can typically be kept for extended periods (months to years) before grinding and analysis. However, it's best to process them as soon as practically possible to minimize any potential degradation.
Avoiding contamination: Use clean tools and containers. Avoid plastic drying containers as they can melt and contaminate samples, especially for δ13C measurements.
Sample size: Collect enough material to meet the minimum requirements for analysis (typically 1-3 mg for plant material, but check with your specific lab).
Labeling: Clearly label all samples with relevant information (site, date, species, etc.) using waterproof markers.
Grinding: If you can't grind samples immediately after drying, store the whole dried leaves and grind them just before analysis. This helps preserve the sample integrity.
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