Using CSIA and GC-MS for Source Identification and Degradation Assessment of Complex Hydrocarbon Mixtures

Kevin Kuntze of Isodetect and Kela Ashworth of SiREM presented the webinar, "Using CSIA and GC-MS for Source Identification and Degradation Assessment of Complex Hydrocarbon Mixtures," on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. ET. 

Abstract

Compound-specific isotope analysis (CSIA) and high-resolution gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) are two complementary analytical approaches that provide detailed information on sources and natural attenuation of organic contaminants. CSIA offers compound-specific isotopic fingerprints, enabling the identification of sources and in situ degradation processes of individual compounds. In contrast, GC-MS provides insight into the composition of complex organic mixtures, such as total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH), allowing assessment of input age, weathering, and degradation status. This webinar will introduce the principles and workflows of both methods and demonstrate, through practical application examples, how combining isotopic and molecular data enhances the interpretation of field samples. 

The Presenters

Kevin Kuntze, PhDCEO, Isodetect
Kevin received his PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Leipzig in Germany in the research field of anaerobic biodegradation of groundwater contaminants. Over the past 16 years, Kevin has developed many innovative tools in molecular biology and compound-specific isotope analysis for the assessment of in situ degradation of organic contaminants.
Kela Ashworth, BScScientist, SiREM
Kela is an Environmental Scientist focusing on analytical testing and treatability study management. Over the past 14 years, Kela has managed bench-scale studies evaluating remediation technologies for contaminants including chlorinated solvents, petroleum hydrocarbons, metals, and other recalcitrant compounds in soil, sediment, and groundwater. She has also been involved in developing protocols for evaluating new technologies in the laboratory.

Isodetect

Isodetect offers isotope analytical services and scientific expertise to stakeholders in the market of groundwater remediation, oil and gas, and environmental monitoring worldwide. It holds key knowledge and intellectual property related to the monitoring of natural attenuation, source identification, and in situ remediation at contaminated sites by CSIA, stable isotope probing (SIP), in situ microcosms (BACTRAPs®), laboratory microcosm studies, metabolite analysis, molecular genetic techniques (qPCR), and GC-MS screening. With ongoing technological developments in isotope monitoring, Isodetect supplies tools to provide evidence for, characterize, and quantify the natural and stimulated biological and chemical transformation of new classes of pollutants as an integral part of remediation and monitoring technologies. Isodetect’s business model includes the market introduction of innovative know-how in close cooperation with partners from science and technology. Their goal is to translate new insights into practice through effective technology transfer.