A method for the determination of organic carbon in calcareous marine sediments

Abstract

Methods for the determination of organic and inorganic carbon in marine sediments are discussed. The suggested method consists of determination of organic carbon in a CHN-analyzer (microcombustion at 1100°C) after acidification of the sample with 1 N hydrochloric acid for removal of inorganic carbon. A correction factor for weight increase after acidification, due to conversion of carbonate to chloride and to hydration, is applied. Our method as a C.V. of ± 1.7%.Organic carbon cannot be determined by subtracting separately measured inorganic carbon from the total carbon content.