ACCELERATION OF ALDEHYDE DECOMPOSITION IN SOIL BY MONTMORILLONITE

Abstract

The addition of montmorillonite accelerated CO2 production and O2 consumption of soils enriched with various aldehydes (benzaldehyde, syringaldehyde, vanillin, p-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde, heptaldehyde, acetaldehyde). This acceleration was observed both in freshly prepared soil-montmorillonite mixtures and in mixtures prepared more than 3 yr before use. The addition of kaolinite or mica-vermiculite did not affect the rate of aldehyde degradation in soil. Possible mechanisms whereby montmorillonite influences the decomposition of aldehydes in soil are discussed. The addition of montmorillonite accelerated CO2 production and O2 consumption of soils enriched with various aldehydes (benzaldehyde, syringaldehyde, vanillin, p-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde, heptaldehyde, acetaldehyde). This acceleration was observed both in freshly prepared soil-montmorillonite mixtures and in mixtures prepared more than 3 yr before use. The addition of kaolinite or mica-vermiculite did not affect the rate of aldehyde degradation in soil. Possible mechanisms whereby montmorillonite influences the decomposition of aldehydes in soil are discussed. © Williams & Wilkins 1977. All Rights Reserved.