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Microbial necromass accelerates humic acid formation by reshaping DOM transformation pathways during composting.

Su Chang1, Yi Zheng2, Baoju Liu2

  • 1College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Biodiversity and Organic Farming, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.

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Microbial necromass significantly boosts compost humification and humic acid (HA) formation. It accelerates stable HA production by altering dissolved organic matter (DOM) reaction pathways, not just by adding carbon.

Keywords:
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Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Soil Science
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Humic acid (HA) formation is key to organic matter stabilization in composting.
  • Precursor availability and reactivity limit HA accumulation.
  • Microbial necromass is a potential source of stable organic carbon, but its role in humification is unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the direct impact of microbial necromass on humic acid formation during composting.
  • To understand the molecular transformation pathways of dissolved organic matter (DOM) influenced by necromass.

Main Methods:

  • Laboratory-scale composting experiments.
  • Incorporation of anthropogenically prepared microbial necromass.
  • Analysis using Fourier transform-ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS).
  • Statistical analysis using partial least squares structural equation modeling.

Main Results:

  • Necromass addition significantly enhanced compost humification (humification index +23.08%, polymerization degree +44.49%).
  • FT-ICR MS revealed intensified DOM transformations (oxidation, decarboxylation, Maillard condensation).
  • Necromass led to a higher proportion of oxygenated compounds with increased unsaturation and aromaticity.

Conclusions:

  • Microbial necromass accelerates stable humic acid formation in compost.
  • Necromass indirectly enhances HA formation by regulating DOM intermediates and condensed aromatic structures.
  • This study provides molecular-scale evidence for necromass reshaping DOM reaction pathways in composting.