Decomposition of (/sup 14/C)lignocelluloses of Spartina alterniflora and a comparison with field experiments

Journal Article · Fri Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1985 · Appl. Environ. Microbiol.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5838794

Wilson, J O

Decomposition of lignocelluloses from Spartina alterniflora in salt-marsh sediments was measured by using /sup 14/C-labeled compounds. Rates of decomposition were fastest in the first 4 days of incubation and declined later. Lignins labeled in side chains were mineralized slightly faster than uniformly labeled lignins; 12% of the (side chain-/sup 14/C)lignin-labeled lignocellulose was mineralized after 816 h of incubation, whereas only 8% of the (U-/sup 14/C)lignin-labeled lignocelluloses were degraded during this period. The carbohydrate moiety within the lignocellulose complex was degraded about four times faster than the lignin moiety; after 816 h of incubation, 29 to 37% of the carbohydrate moiety had been mineralized. Changes in concentration of lignin and cellulose in litter of S. alterniflora were followed over 2 years of decay. Cellulose disappeared from litter more rapidly than lignin; 50% of the initial content of cellulose was lost after 130 days, whereas lignin required 330 to 380 days for 50% loss. The slow loss of lignin compared with other litter components resulted in a progressive enrichment of litter in lignin content. The rates of mineralization of (/sup 14/C)lignocelluloses in marsh sediments were similar to the rates of lignocellulose decomposition in litter on the marsh.

• Research Organization: Boston Univ., MA
• OSTI ID: 5838794
• Journal Information: Appl. Environ. Microbiol.; (United States), Journal Name: Appl. Environ. Microbiol.; (United States) Vol. 49:3; ISSN AEMID
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

510101* -- Environment
Terrestrial-- Basic Studies-- Radiometric Techniques-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS
BIODEGRADATION
CARBOHYDRATES
CARBON 14 COMPOUNDS
CELLULOSE
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
DECOMPOSITION
ECOSYSTEMS
FIELD TESTS
GRASS
ISOTOPE APPLICATIONS
LABELLED COMPOUNDS
LIGNIN
MARSHES
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PLANTS
POLYSACCHARIDES
SACCHARIDES
SEDIMENTS
TESTING
TRACER TECHNIQUES
WETLANDS