Detection of heterocyclic N compounds in whole soils using N-XANES spectroscopy

Abstract

The nitrogen (N) cycle is second in importance only to the carbon (C) cycle in natural ecosystems. However, the origin and nature of approximately one-third of total soil N remains poorly understood. We used N-XANES (X-ray absorption near edge structure) spectroscopy, a sensitive, non-destructive synchrotron-based analytical technique, to determine the organic N structures in selected Gleysolic soils of Saskatchewan. Initial results indicate the presence of amide structures and heterocyclic N compounds, which are significant in understanding the transformation of organic N moieties in the soil, both in terms of sources of bio-available N and long-term storage. Key words: Unknown N, amides, heterocyclic N compounds, wetland soils, N-XANES spectroscopy