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Pyrolysis mass spectrometry of intact and decomposed leaves ofNuphar variegatum andZostera marina, and some archeological eelgrass samples

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Abstract

The chemical composition of leaves and particulate decomposition residues of the water-lilyNuphar variegatum and the eelgrassZostera marina was studied by Curie-point pyrolysis mass spectrometry. The native water-lily and eelgrass were characterised by pyrolysis products of carbohydrates, proteins and several phenolic components. Prolonged decomposition of the waterlily under aerobic and anaerobic conditions resulted in residues with decreased carbohydrate content and an increased content of proteins, N-acetyl aminosugars and lignins. The proteins and N-acetyl aminosugars must be of microbial origin. This process is less pronounced in eelgrass. The composition of native eelgrass, laboratory decomposition residues, ancient dyke samples and old dry eelgrass used as insulation was evaluated using discriminant analysis of the pyrolysis mass spectra. Prolonged aerobic exposure leads to modifications of the polysaccharide structure. Anaerobic exposure leads to an organic matter rich in aromatic and furan residues whereas the incorporation of sulphur is clearly demonstrated. The eelgrass from the ancient dyke was found to be anaerobically digested. Exposure of this eelgrass dyke to atmospheric conditions due to excavation leads to a composition comparable to aerobically digested eelgrass obtained under laboratory conditions. The documented difference in degradability ofZostera marina andNuphar variegatum is thought to be caused by qualitative and quantitative differences in the phenolic components of both plant species.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Biomedical and environmental mass spectrometry facility, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, USA

    Jaap J. Boon

  2. Department of Biomolecular Physics, FOM-Institute for Atomic and Molecular Physics, Kruislaan 407, 1098 SJ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    Johan Haverkamp

Authors
  1. Jaap J. Boon
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  2. Johan Haverkamp
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dedicated to Prof. Dr. J. Kistermaker, on the occasion of his 65 th birthday.

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Boon, J.J., Haverkamp, J. Pyrolysis mass spectrometry of intact and decomposed leaves ofNuphar variegatum andZostera marina, and some archeological eelgrass samples. Hydrobiological Bulletin 16, 71–82 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02255415

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