To understand peatland carbon-cycling
processes ultimately requires
the ability to track changes occurring on the molecular-level. In
this study, we profile a peat core taken from the world’s largest
blanket bog, Flow Country, Scotland, using physicochemical properties,
ATR-FTIR, solid/liquid-state NMR, and solid/liquid-state FT-ICR-MS.
Air-dried peat and labile and recalcitrant peat extracts, including
pore water dissolved organic matter (PW-DOM), are analyzed and the
merits of each technique are discussed. Solid-state NMR demonstrated
changing distribution of compound classes with core depth and water
table, the latter not picked up by IR. Liquid-state NMR and MS both
demonstrated variations in molecular composition along the core depth
in all phases and extracts. Contrary to previous reports, the composition
of PW-DOM varied with depth. Major compounds, some previously unreported,
identified by 1D/2D NMR occurred throughout the core, suggesting the
existence of hot spots of microbial activity/compound accumulation.
Offering complementary views, the techniques provided evidence of
gradual molecular level changes with age, zonation due to the water
table, and hot spots due to microbial activity. This study provides
new insights into the molecular signatures of peat layers and establishes
the foundation for examining peat function and health at the molecular-level.