Comparison of Sample Preparation Techniques for the (−)ESI-FT-ICR-MS Analysis of Humic and Fulvic Acids

• DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c01125
• Publication Date: 2022-08-15T18:46:47Z
• Authors: Aleksandar I. Gor...; Amanda M. Tadini; Ladislau Martin-Neto; Alberto C. C. Ber...; Patricia P. A. Ol...; José R. M. Pezzopane; Débora M. B. P. M...; Stéphane Mounier; Patrick G. Hatcher
• Keywords: Sample Preparation; Fulvic acid; Sample (material)

Soil organic matter (SOM) plays a key role in the global carbon and nitrogen cycles. biogeochemistry is regularly studied by extracting base-soluble fractions of SOM: acid-insoluble humic acid (HA) acid-soluble fulvic (FA). Electrospray ionization–Fourier transform–ion cyclotron resonance–mass spectrometry (ESI-FT-ICR-MS) commonly utilized for molecularly characterizing these fractions. Different sample preparation techniques exist analysis HA FA though questions remain regarding data comparability following different preparations. Comparisons here revealed that negative-mode ESI-FT-ICR-MS analytical window can be skewed to detect groups molecules, with primary differences oxygenation, aromaticity, molecular weight. It was also observed from soils versus an aquatic matrix behaved very differently. Thus, we conclude determined "most optimal" our study are no way universal. We recommend future studies involve similar comparative determining most suitable technique their particular type or matrices. This will enhance among environmental systems ultimately allow us better understand complex composition