Minerals analytic pyrolysis

The transformation of plant detritus into stabilized humic substances is one of the most complex and least understood biogeochemical processes in the carbon cycle (Stevenson, 1994). Traditionally, decomposition and humification of plant residues was thought to be dominated by the mineralization of labile materials, while more recalcitrant aromatic compounds accumulate in the soil. The application of modem analytical techniques—including solid-state NMR spectroscopy, pyrolysis gas chromatography, and degradative chemical techniques—to the study of decomposition and humification has significantly altered this simple view of carbon transformation in the soil (Baldock et al., 1997 Kogel-Knabner, 1997). 

Analysis at the appropriate scale for thermometry often requires very small samples, either as mineral separates, chips, or in situ. Table 1 reviews techniques for stable isotope microanalysis and Figure 1 shows the analytical trade-offs for different systems of microanalysis as they are generally applied in 2001 ion microprobe analysis IR-wavelength laser fluorination of chips or powder UV-wavelength laser analysis in situ, and continuous flow mass-spectrometry (CFMS) which can be coupled to pyrolysis or laser systems. 

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