IMix: a user-friendly application for source partitioning using stable isotopes

Abstract Background Using isotope mixing models, researchers can estimate the proportionate contributions of the components within a mixture to infer their sources, which is a significant method in fields such as ecology, environmental science, and geography. However, existing isotope mixing model applications suffer from large uncertainties, poor applicability, and cumbersome usage, necessitating the development of user-friendly applications with high precision and broad applicability for calculating isotope mixing models. We developed the IMix application that features a simple and user-friendly interface and can analyse user data to recommend suitable models. It includes six steps: (1) importing data, (2) model recommendation, (3) exporting data, (4) linear mixing model, (5) normal distribution model, and (6) optimised Bayesian model. Results IMix is an accurate and easy-to-use tool that simplifies the calculation of source partitioning using stable isotopes and eliminates the associated complexity and uncertainty. It can also automatically analyse the advantages and disadvantages of isotope mixing models and automatically select the optimal mixing model based on user data. Conclusions The simple and intuitive interface of IMix eliminates many cumbersome operations, thus helping to save user learning time and optimise the user experience. The use of IMix for the calculation of isotope mixing models can significantly enhance research efficiency.