Jožef Stefan Institute
Department of Environmental Sciences

Jamova 39
SI-1000 Ljubljana
Slovenija

T: +386 1 5885 355
F: +386 1 5885 346

Group for Isotope Geochemistry


Head: Doc. Dr. Sonja Lojen

Our research studies are multidisciplinary in nature and span the area of analysis and use of stable isotopes of light elements in environmental chemistry, hydrology, climatology, agronomy, nutrition science, forestry, geology, mining, biology, physiology, archaeology etc.

Basic activities and research areas:

  • Determination of the stable isotope composition of light elements (δ2H, δ13C, δ15N, δ18O, δ34S) in various environmental samples (e.g. water, rocks, sediments, soils, gasses, biological materials)
  • Determination of the geographical origin and authenticity of food products (e.g. wine, honey, olive oil, juices, milk, bottled water) and participation in preparation of the EU database on the isotopic composition of wines
  • Determination of the isotopic composition of rainfall and sharing the data with the GNIP (Global Network of Isotopes in Precipitation) international database; http://isohis.iaea.org/
  • Hydrogeochemical research on river systems and participation in establishing GNIR (Global Network for Isotopes in Rivers) international database for riverine isotopic composition
  • Research on sources and transport of coal gasses
  • Research on biogeochemical cycles of H, C, N, O and S in different environments (e.g. seas, lakes, rivers and forests)
  • Research on the influence of natural and anthropogenic factors and climate change on the cycling of H, C, N, O and S
  • Determination of sources and mass flows of nutrients and pollutants in the atmosphere (e.g. sources of nitrate in groundwater, areas affected by fish farms…)
  • Paleotemperature and paleoenvironmental research using different indicators (changes of isotopic, elemental and molecular composition in sediment profiles, laminated sediments, sedimented organic matter, tree-rings…)
  • Research on the food chain structure in aquatic and terrestrial environments
  • Research on food sources of organisms in different environments and nutritional habits of population groups (in cooperation with archaeologists)

Staff: