Hydropyrolysis: implications for radiocarbon pre-treatment and characterization of Black Carbon

Ascough, P. , Bird, M.I., Meredith, W., Wood, R.E., Snape, C.E., Brock, F., Higham, T.F., Large, D.J. and Apperley, D.C. (2010) Hydropyrolysis: implications for radiocarbon pre-treatment and characterization of Black Carbon. Radiocarbon, 52(3), pp. 1336-1350.

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Abstract

Charcoal is the result of natural and anthropogenic burning events, when biomass is exposed to elevated temperatures under conditions of restricted oxygen. This process produces a range of materials, collectively known as pyrogenic carbon, the most inert fraction of which is known as Black Carbon (BC). BC degrades extremely slowly, and is resistant to diagenetic alteration involving the addition of exogenous carbon making it a useful target substance for radiocarbon dating particularly of more ancient samples, where contamination issues are critical. We present results of tests using a new method for the quantification and isolation of BC, known as hydropyrolysis (hypy). Results show controlled reductive removal of non-BC organic components in charcoal samples, including lignocellulosic and humic material. The process is reproducible and rapid, making hypy a promising new approach not only for isolation of purified BC for 14C measurement but also in quantification of different labile and resistant sample C fractions.

Item Type:Articles
Keywords:Radiocarbon; Hydropyrolysis; Charcoal; Biochar
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Ascough, Dr Philippa
Authors: Ascough, P., Bird, M.I., Meredith, W., Wood, R.E., Snape, C.E., Brock, F., Higham, T.F., Large, D.J., and Apperley, D.C.
Subjects:G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre
Journal Name:Radiocarbon
Publisher:University of Arizona
ISSN:0033-8222
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2010 University of Arizona
First Published:First published in Radiocarbon 52(3):1336-1350
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

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