Characterization of the Lignin Signature in Lake Mead, NV, Sediment: Comparison of On-Line Flash Chemopyrolysis (600°C) and Off-Line Chemolysis (250°C)
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
6-1-2009
DOI
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10653-008-9174-9
Abstract
The distribution of lignin in sediment is a useful tool for tracing the transport of land-derived organic matter in an aquatic environment. Tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) flash chemopyrolysis, or chemolysis followed by GC-MS analysis can be used for evaluating the origin of organic carbon in sediments. TMAH chemopyrolysis or chemolysis of organic matter produces a myriad of semi-volatile products. Among these products are methylated phenols which are an indirect measure of lignin in sediment. In this study, total organic carbon, elemental carbon, and lignin were measured in Lake Mead sediments. This study indicates that terrestrial runoff makes a contribution to Lake Mead sediments, and that this contribution is most apparent in sediment that is close to the Las Vegas Wash. Two chemolysis methods (on-line and off-line) were examined and compared for detection of lignin phenols. The results from these sediment cores indicate that comparable results can be obtained from the two approaches, although detection levels are significantly lower for the off-line approach.
Publication Information
Steinberg, Spencer M.; Nemr, Elkas L.; and Rudin, Mark. (2009). "Characterization of the Lignin Signature in Lake Mead, NV, Sediment: Comparison of On-Line Flash Chemopyrolysis (600°C) and Off-Line Chemolysis (250°C)". Environmental Geochemistry and Health, 31(3), 339-352.