Extraction Strategies for Profiling the Molecular Composition of Particulate Organic Matter on Glacier Surfaces.

ABSTRACT: Pigmented microalgae thrive on supraglacial surfaces, producing "sticky" extracellular polymeric substances that combine into a mineral-organic matrix. Together, they enhance snow and ice melting by lowering the albedo. Understanding the chemical nature of particulate organic matter (POM) in this matrix is crucial in assessing its role in supraglacial carbon dynamics. We evaluated POM complexity in alga-rich snow and ice samples containing 0.3-6.4 wt % organic carbon (OC) via extractions with solvents of varying polarity, pH, and OM selectivity. Extraction yields were evaluated by OC analysis of the extracts, and the composition of extracted OM was analyzed using ultrahigh-resolution mass spectrometry. Individual hot water (HW), hydrochloric acid (HCl), and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) extracti

SUBMITTER: Antony R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11912203 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature