Have decided to add another method to my research – isotope analysis. Isotopes are different forms of the same chemical element and if samples are tested for Carbon and Nitrogen isotopes this can determine the predominant land type from where the sample was collected. For example one form of carbon is predominantly found in the soil of woodland areas whereas it will be different for agricultural land. This method will complement the magnetic fingerprinting technique as whilst the isotope analysis looks at the organic matter in the sample, the magnetic analysis looks at the mineral matter – thus giving a more holistic approach to the research.
I have also finalised my sampling strategy. In order to incorporate the various land uses and types of geology I need to obtain 44 soil samples from across the River Skell catchment. In terms of sediment, I will collect samples from the water bodies at Fountains and Studley in ‘jam jar-like’ pots. I am also going to collect eight sediment samples from different points along the River Skell with the use of time integrated suspended sediment samplers – a complicated name for metre long modified drainpipes which are placed in the water for two weeks and trap the sediment.
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