Associated water and organic compounds in coral skeletons: Quantitative thermogravimetry coupled to infrared absorption spectrometry

Samples from coral skeletons belonging to six species have been submitted to thermogravimetric analysis in the temperature range between 20degrees and 550degreesC. Weight losses are interpreted on the basis of simultaneously recorded infrared absorption spectra at specific wavelengths for water and CO(2). The organic + water content of coral skeletons represents up to 2.5% of the total weight. Additionally, it is shown that during heating the main part of water remains linked to organic compounds up to 275degrees-330degreesC, suggesting organic materials associated with the skeleton are hydrated.