Molecular Identification of Water-Extractable Organic Carbon from Thermally Heated Soils: C-13 NMR and Accurate Mass Analyses Find Benzene and Pyridine Carboxylic Acids

To simulate the effects of wildfire on the combustion process in soils and their potential to leach organic compounds into streams and groundwater, mineral soil samples were heated at temperatures of 150-550 degrees C. Then, the soils were leached with deionized water, filtered, and analyzed for dissolved organic carbon. The water extract was concentrated by both XAD-8 and XAD-4 resins and analyzed by C-13 nuclear magnetic resonance and liquid chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Approximately 15-20% of the water-extractable organic carbon was identified as benzene dicarboxylic acids, tricarboxylic acids, and tetracarboxylic acid isomers, commonly called BPCAs. Also identified were isomers of pyridine dicarboxylic acids and tricarboxylic acids (PCAs). The conversion of soil organic carbon to BPCAs occurs at 250 degrees C and reaches a maximum between 350 and 450 degrees C. At higher temperatures (>450 degrees C), the BPCA concentrations decrease, suggesting decarboxylation and conversion to carbon dioxide and water. This is the first report of BPCAs and PCAs in water-extractable organic carbon from thermally altered soil and suggest that these compounds are possible candidates for further water-quality studies in watersheds affected by wildfire. Finally, BPCAs and PCAs could contribute to the black carbon and nitrogen in seawater and are worthy of future investigation.