Discrimination in Degradability of Soil Pyrogenic Organic Matter Follows a Return-On-Energy-Investment Principle

Authors

Omar R. Harvey, Texas Christian UniversityFollow
Allison N. Myers-Pigg, Texas A&M University
Li-Jung Kuo, Pacific Northwest National LaboratoryFollow
Bhupinder Pal Singh, Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Insitute
Kevin A. Kuehn, University of Southern MississippiFollow
Patrick Louchouarn, Texas A&M UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

7-11-2016

Department

Biological Sciences

School

Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences

Abstract

A fundamental understanding of biodegradability is central to elucidating the role(s) of pyrogenic organic matter (PyOM) in biogeochemical cycles. Since microbial community and ecosystem dynamics are driven by net energy flows, then a quantitative assessment of energy value versus energy requirement for oxidation of PyOM should yield important insights into their biodegradability. We used bomb calorimetry, stepwise isothermal thermogravimetric analysis (isoTGA), and 5-year in situ bidegradation data to develop energy-biodegradability relationships for a suite of plant- and manure-derived PyOM (n = 10). The net energy value (ΔE) for PyOM was between 4.0 and 175 kJ mol^–1; with manure-derived PyOM having the highest ΔE. Thermal-oxidation activation energy (E_a) requirements ranged from 51 to 125 kJ mol^–1, with wood-derived PyOM having the highest E_a requirements. We propose a return-on-investment (ROI) parameter (ΔE/E_a) for differentiating short-to-medium term biodegradability of PyOM and deciphering if biodegradation will most likely proceed via cometabolism (ROI < 1) or direct metabolism (ROI ≥ 1). The ROI-biodegradability relationship was sigmoidal with higher biodegradability associated with PyOM of higher ROI; indicating that microbes exhibit a higher preference for “high investment value” PyOM.

Publication Title

Environmental Science & Technology

Volume

50

Issue

16

First Page

8578

Last Page

8585

Recommended Citation

Harvey, O. R., Myers-Pigg, A. N., Kuo, L., Singh, B. P., Kuehn, K. A., Louchouarn, P. (2016). Discrimination in Degradability of Soil Pyrogenic Organic Matter Follows a Return-On-Energy-Investment Principle. Environmental Science & Technology, 50(16), 8578-8585.
Available at: https://aquila.usm.edu/fac_pubs/15738