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. 1977 Jan;33(1):43–51. doi: 10.1128/aem.33.1.43-51.1977

Microbial Decomposition of Synthetic 14C-Labeled Lignins in Nature: Lignin Biodegradation in a Variety of Natural Materials

W F Hackett †, W J Connors †, T K Kirk †, J G Zeikus *
PMCID: PMC170572  PMID: 16345189

Abstract

Lignin biodegradation in a variety of natural materials was examined using specifically labeled synthetic 14C-lignins. Natural materials included soils, sediments, silage, steer bedding, and rumen contents. Both aerobic and anaerobic incubations were used. No 14C-labeled lignin biodegradation to labeled gaseous products under anaerobic conditions was observed. Aerobic 14C-labeled lignin mineralization varied with respect to type of natural material used, site, soil type and horizon, and temperature. The greatest observed degradation occurred in a soil from Yellowstone National Park and amounted to over 42% conversion of total radioactivity to 14CO2 during 78 days of incubation. Amounts of 14C-labeled lignin mineralization in Wisconsin soils and sediments were significantly correlated with organic carbon, organic nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, exchangeable calcium, and exchangeable potassium.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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