Separation of total particulate carbon into inorganic and organic components1

Abstract

A combination of particulate carbon analysis and a baking procedure to remove organic matter is proposed for separating total particulate carbon into inorganic and organic components. Changes in weight and carbonate‐carbon content were tested on powdered, anhydrous CaCO3 at 500° and 550°C and baking durations up to 7 h; the method was applied to field samples of particulate matter in seawater and microplankton net samples. The method is potentially useful for separating the carbon components, especially in coral reef environments or in calcium carbonate enriched sediments.