Stabilization of natural organic matter by short-range-order Iron hydroxides

Kai Yue Chen, Tsan Yao Chen, Ya Ting Chan, Ching Yun Cheng, Yu Min Tzou*, Yu Ting Liu, Heng Yi Teah

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

66 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) is capable of modifying the surfaces of soil minerals (e.g., Fe hydroxides) or even forming stable co-precipitates with Fe(III) in a neutral environment. The DOM/Fe co-precipitation may alter biogeochemical carbon cycling in soils if the relatively mobile DOM is sorbed by soil minerals against leaching, runoff, and biodegradation. In this study, we aimed to determine the structural development of DOM/Fe co-precipitates in relation to changes in pH and C/(C + Fe) ratios using XRD, XPS, Fe K-edge XAS, FTIR, and C-NEXAFS techniques. The results showed that in the system with bulk C/(C + Fe) molar ratios ≤0.65, the ferrihydrite-like Fe domains were precipitated as the core and covered by the C shells. When the C/(C + Fe) molar ratio ranged between 0.71 and 0.89, the emerging Fe−C bonding suggested a more substantial association between Fe domains including edge- and corner-sharing FeO6 octahedra and DOM. With C/(C + Fe) bulk molar ratios ≥0.92, only corner-sharing FeO6 octahedra along with Fe−C bonding were found. The homogeneously distributed C and Fe domains caused the enhancement of Fe and C solubilization from co-precipitates. The C/ (C + Fe) ratios dominated structural compositions and stabilities of C/Fe co-precipitates and may directly affect the Fe and C cycles in soils.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)12612-12620
Number of pages9
JournalEnvironmental Science and Technology
Volume50
Issue number23
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2016 Dec 6
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Chemistry(all)
  • Environmental Chemistry

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Stabilization of natural organic matter by short-range-order Iron hydroxides'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this