Thermochemolysis of organic matter preserved in stalagmites: a preliminary study

Blyth, Alison J. and Watson, Jonathan (2009). Thermochemolysis of organic matter preserved in stalagmites: a preliminary study. Organic Geochemistry, 40(9), pp. 1029–1031.

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DOI (Digital Object Identifier) Link:	http://dx.doi.org/doi:10.1016/j.orggeochem.2009.06.007
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Abstract

The analysis of organic matter (OM) preserved in stalagmites is a growing field, but there have been few studies of biomarker compounds such as lignin phenols that are widely used in other palaeoenvironmental contexts. Here we present a preliminary qualitative study of the organic matter in six stalagmite samples from contrasting environments, using thermochemolysis in the presence of tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH). The results indicate that a wide variety of products is preserved, including several potential lignin-derived compounds, but also that further research is needed to maximise compound recovery and allow the analysis of dissolved OM preserved in stalagmites to reach its full potential.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Copyright Holders:	2009 Elsevier
ISSN:	0146-6380
Keywords:	stalagmite; organic matter; lignin; tetramethylammonium hydroxide
Academic Unit/Department:	Science > Environment, Earth and Ecosystems Science > Physical Sciences
Interdisciplinary Research Centre:	Centre for Earth, Planetary, Space and Astronomical Research (CEPSAR)
Item ID:	17676
Depositing User:	Colin Smith
Date Deposited:	09 Jul 2009 15:09
Last Modified:	25 Oct 2012 06:24
URI:	http://oro.open.ac.uk/id/eprint/17676

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