Analytical electron microscopy of black carbon and microaggregated mineral matter in Amazonian dark Earth

Black carbon (BC) is one of the most stable forms of soil organic matter. Its surface functional groups and structure have been well characterized by a range of analytical methods. However, little is known about the mechanisms of interactions between the BC particles and the surrounding mineral matter. In this paper a range of microscopy techniques, such as transmission electron microscopy and scanning transmission electron microscopy, were used to investigate the possible reactions of BC particles within microaggregates (<2 mm) found in Amazonian dark Earth. Attention is given to the interactions that occur at the interfacial regions between the organic and inorganic phases. Examination of Amazonian dark Earth showed that the carbon-rich phase detected within the BC particles has a significant calcium concentration and a high density of micropores was found at the BC-mineral interface. These observations provide evidence to support suggested mechanisms of interaction between these phases.