The Analysis of the Peat Content of Silt in River Water

Abstract

River waters passing through peat wetlands can contain high concentrations of solids. Here, we outline simple laboratory methods by which the relative composition might be estimated with accuracy. Simple ashing of samples and the resultant weight loss is not appropriate as it includes analysis of all organic matter fragments/remains and these are also present in soils and silt. Differences in mineral content specific to the peat (quantified by powder x-ray diffraction) and the C:H composition (measured by microanalysis) were found to be reliable method of estimation of the ratio of peat to silt. These latter two methods show reasonable agreement.

Keywords:

• Elemental analysis
• Inorganic content
• Mineral phases
• Peat analysis