Application of Stable Isotopes in Ecosystem Research

The ecological applications of natural abundance of stable isotopes benefited the understanding of the ecosystem processes. Natural isotopic effects ensuing from difference in physico-chemical properties, fractionation and discrimination of elements such as carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, sulphur, strontium and calcium, have been used to reinforce understanding the various aspects of ecosystem analysis and to revisit some old, baffling processes with new perspectives. Stable isotopes have provided insight into not only the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem structure and functioning, but also strengthened our knowledge about the possible mechanisms of ecosystem functioning in various ecosystems and biomes. This review elucidates the role of natural abundance of stable isotopes in benefiting ecosystem analysis.