Abstract
The oxidative polymerization of polyphenols in soils is regarded as one of the main processes in the formation of humic substances1–7. The polymerization causes the darkening of the colour of polyphenols—the ‘browning phenomenon’—which can be accelerated non-enzymatically as well as enzymatically7–15. However, the relative effectiveness of various inorganic components, especially noncrystalline to poorly crystalline Fe, Al, Mn and Si oxides commonly occurring in soils16–19, in affecting the browning of polyphenols is still obscure. The elucidation of the relative effectiveness of these oxides is of importance in understanding their roles in the formation of humic substances in the environment. We report here that Mn(IV) oxide is a very effective oxidant with respect to the abiotic browning of hydroquinone solution over the pH range (4–8) common in soil. On the other hand, the accelerating effect of Fe oxide on the browning is extremely small. The promoting effects of Al and Si oxides were not observed in the conditions studied. The results obtained in the present study indicate that Mn(IV) oxides deserve close attention in the abiotic formation of humic substances in the environment.
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Shindo, H., Huang, P. Role of Mn(IV) oxide in abiotic formation of humic substances in the environment. Nature 298, 363–365 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1038/298363a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/298363a0
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