Selective loss of carbohydrates from plant remains during coalification

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dc.contributor.authorWilson, M.A.
dc.contributor.authorVerheyen, T.V.
dc.contributor.authorVassallo, A.M.
dc.contributor.authorHill, R.S.
dc.contributor.authorPerry, G.J.
dc.date.issued1987
dc.description.abstractFossil leaves ofOleinites willsii, Banksieaephyllum angustum, associated organic matter and rhizomes ofGleichenia sp. isolated from Yallourn brown coal deposits, Latrobe Valley, Victoria, Australia and their living relatives have been analysed by high-resolution solid-state13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy and pyrolysis—gas chromatography—mass spectrometry. The fossil leaves and rhizomes retain carbohydrates and, on a carbon basis, the amounts of carbohydrates in the fossil rhizomes and their living relatives appear to be similar. On the other hand, the amount of carbohydrates in the fossil leaves is substantially less than in the living relatives. The organic matter found intimately associated with the fossil leaves is quite different in structure from the fossil leaves themselves and bears a closer resemblance to humic acids and the smallest (<75μm) fractions of Yallourn brown coal. Since the fossil leaves are found in stratified beds, interfolded with associated organic matter, it is suggested that during coalification the leaves and associated organic matter undergo independent transformations and are brought together by water transport.
dc.description.statementofresponsibilityMichael A. Wilson, T. Vincent Verheyen, Anthony M. Vassallo, Robert S. Hill, Geoff J. Perry
dc.identifier.citationOrganic Geochemistry, 1987; 11(4):265-271
dc.identifier.doi10.1016/0146-6380(87)90037-4
dc.identifier.issn0146-6380
dc.identifier.issn1873-5290
dc.identifier.orcidHill, R.S. [0000-0003-4564-4339]
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/2440/85969
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherPergamon Press
dc.rightsCopyright © 1987 Pergamon Journals Ltd
dc.source.urihttps://doi.org/10.1016/0146-6380(87)90037-4
dc.subjectFossil leaves; fossil rhizomes; high-resolution solid-state13C-NMR spectroscopy; coal
dc.titleSelective loss of carbohydrates from plant remains during coalification
dc.typeJournal article
pubs.publication-statusPublished

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