When analyzing lake sediments using an EA, are coal/amber particles efficiently combusted, or are they only partially combusted? In other words, is it possible that the true total organic carbon content of lake sediments may be underestimated if coal and amber particles are present in the sample?
Yes, coal carbon content measurement is possible with help of EA. I not sure in the case of amber. But according to chemical structure of amber it may be possible. If amber is only partially combusted, in that situation also it has capacity to underestimate the total carbon content of lake sediment.
On other hand, if you going to analyzing the total organic content of lake sediments and coal particle and amber content comes naturally in sediment. than there is no need to think about coal/amber particle.
If coal/amber particles come unnaturally, than try to collect your lake sediment samples from another sampling positions/site from the same lake. For analyzing the total organic carbon you may refer the TOC analyzer.
Regard
Sandeep
Hi Igor,
TOC in lake sediments should not be underestimated by using an EA-analyzer when there are amber or coaly particles present. The EA-analyzers normally operate in an excess atmosphere of oxygen at temperatures above 900°C where amber and coal will be totally combusted like the sedimentary OM itself or even Black Carbon (BC). Black Carbon is much more resistant against combustion than amber or coal and will resist in contrast temperatures up to 450°C in an oxygenated atmosphere for a longer time. Therefore BC can be underestimated but only if your EA is in bad condition or of an unsuitable type.
Carbon-Analyzers for sedimentary matter are designed to transfer all carbon into carbon dioxide despite of its previous chemical nature. There might be exclusions for inorganic compounds for metal like carbides, where you will need special combustion techniques.
Best regards
Georg
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