title: Microbial decomposition of synthetic C-labeled lignins in nature: lignin biodegradation in a variety of natural materials.
abstract: Lignin biodegradation in a variety of natural materials was examined using specifically labeled synthetic C-lignins. Natural materials included soils, sediments, silage, steer bedding, and rumen contents. Both aerobic and anaerobic incubations were used. No C-labeled lignin biodegradation to labeled gaseous products under anaerobic conditions was observed. Aerobic C-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 CO(2) during 78 days of incubation. Amounts of C-labeled lignin mineralization in Wisconsin soils and sediments were significantly correlated with organic carbon, organic nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, exchangeable calcium, and exchangeable potassium.
authors.affiliation: Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53706.
authors.forename: W F
authors.initials: WF
authors.lastname: Hackett
authors.forename: W J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Connors
authors.forename: T K
authors.initials: TK
authors.lastname: Kirk
authors.forename: J G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Zeikus