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Forest Sciences

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Iowa State University

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Lignin

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Lignin Decomposition Is Sustained Under Fluctuating Redox Conditions In Humid Tropical Forest Soils, Steven J. Hall, Whendee L. Silver, Vitaliy I. Timokhin, Kenneth E. Hammel Jul 2015

Lignin Decomposition Is Sustained Under Fluctuating Redox Conditions In Humid Tropical Forest Soils, Steven J. Hall, Whendee L. Silver, Vitaliy I. Timokhin, Kenneth E. Hammel

Steven J. Hall

Lignin mineralization represents a critical flux in the terrestrial carbon (C) cycle, yet little is known about mechanisms and environmental factors controlling lignin breakdown in mineral soils. Hypoxia is thought to suppress lignin decomposition, yet potential effects of oxygen (O2) variability in surface soils have not been explored. Here, we tested the impact of redox fluctuations on lignin breakdown in humid tropical forest soils during ten-week laboratory incubations. We used synthetic lignins labeled with 13C in either of two positions (aromatic methoxyl or propyl side chain Cb) to provide highly sensitive and specific measures of lignin mineralization seldom employed in …


Lignin Distribution In Thermomechanically Pulped Wood Fibers Via X-Ray Microanalysis, Douglas Stokke, Xuerong Wang Jan 1991

Lignin Distribution In Thermomechanically Pulped Wood Fibers Via X-Ray Microanalysis, Douglas Stokke, Xuerong Wang

Douglas D. Stokke

The three major framework organic constituents of the secondary xylem (wood) of trees are cellulose, hemicelluloses, and lignin. Lignin imparts a number of important physical properties to the woody cell wall. In addition, lignin serves as the "cement" which binds cells together, and is the material which must be softened, altered, or removed during pulping processes. The distribution of lignin within pulp cell walls is of importance with respect to use of the pulp fibers. In this study, x-ray analysis was used to investigate lignin distribution in thermomechanically pulped (i.e., pulped with heat and pressure, with no chemical treatment) aspen …