Molecular elements, characterization multiplicative

Due to the complexity of organic matter sources in estuaries and the aforementioned problems associated with making only bulk measurements to constrain them, the application of chemical biomarkers has become widespread in estuarine research (see review, Bianchi and Canuel, 2001). The term biomarker molecule has recently been defined by Meyers (2003, p. 262) as compounds that characterize certain biotic sources and that retain their source information after burial in sediments, even after some alteration. This molecular information is more specific and sensitive than bulk elemental and isotopic techniques in characterizing sources of organic matter, and further allows for identification of multiple sources (Meyers, 1997, 2003). 

When a pure elemental gas, such as neon, was analyzed by a mass spectrometer, multiple peaks (two in the case of neon) were observed (see Fig. 1.11). Apparently, several kinds of atoms of the same element exist, differing only by their relative masses. Experiments on radioactive decay showed no differences in the chemical properties of these different forms of each element, so they all occupy the same place in the periodic table of the elements (see Chapter 3). Thus the different forms were named isotopes. Isotopes are identified by the chemical symbol for the element with a numerical superscript on the left side to specify the measured relative mass, for example °Ne and Ne. Although the existence of isotopes of the elements had been inferred from studies of the radioactive decay paths of uranium and other heavy elements, mass spectrometry provided confirmation of their existence and their physical characterization. Later, we discuss the properties of the elementary particles that account for the mass differences of isotopes. Here, we discuss mass spectrometry as a tool for measuring atomic and molecular masses and the development of the modern atomic mass scale. 

The Revalue is the fundamental parameter in planar chromatography to describe the position of a spot on a developed chromatogram. values in linear, circular, and anticircular chromatography were defined. Correlations between these types of R were evidenced for conversion of linear R values in circular and anticircular and unidimensional multiple development. Definition of thermodynamic and relative Revalues were also reported and discussed. In addition, the importance of Rm value, which has a linear relationship with structural elements of the solute and can be used to characterize molecular hydrophobicity in reversed planar chromatography, was evidenced. 

---