Pyrolysis GC/FID/FT-IR, pyrolysis GC/MS, and FT-IR studies of pore water extracts derived from peat samples differing in depositional environments

Abstract

Pore water extract samples derived from six peat types differing in depositional environment were characterized using pyrolysis GC/FID/FT-IR, pyrolysis GC/MS, and FT-IR spectroscopy. Pyrolysis GC/FID/FT-IR analysis revealed many by-products resulting from the thermal degradation of the major constituents of plant material: cellulose and lignin. Comparison of the pyrolysis chromatograms showed large variations in the chemical compositions of the pyrolysis products from sample to sample. Results of the FT-IR analysis revealed major differences around 100 cm −1 (CO stretch region) and betwenn 1500 and 1800 cm −1 (CC and CC stretch region). These two regions have previously been identified as representing cellulose and lignin, respectively. The six different extracts are compared based on their resulting FT-IR spectra and pyrolysis chromatograms. Similarities and differences are emphasized along with any conclusions drawn based on these studies.