Isotopes variability δ13C and δ15N in primary producers from terrestrial and freshwater environments

Abstract

In environmental science the use of δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N as biological tracers is dependent on the understanding of the physical, chemical and biological processes that determine the proportion among slight and heavier isotopes in a study sample. The present synthesis searches to elucidate isotopic fractionations associated with different photosynthetic pathways and relate intrinsic characteristics of the aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems that influence the amplitude of isotopes variation on primary producers in nature. The dynamic of the effects of isotopes in aquatic environments is highly complex, resulting in a more sample variation than those observed in terrestrial environments. In aquatic environments, the integration the isotopic techniques permit better measures of autotrophic energy sources that support the base of food webs and better establish connection among producers and consumers