EXPERIMENTAL PYRITE FORMATION ASSOCIATED WITH DECAY OF PLANT MATERIAL

摘要: Abstract Laboratory experiments on microbial decay were used to investigate the conditions required for pyritization of decaying twigs, as it provides an important source data anatomy fossil plants. Plane (Platanus acerifolia) was chosen experimental taxon, because this genus is preserved in pyrite Eocene London Clay. Experiments designed develop sulfate reduction under marine conditions, and each contained estuarine sediment with added iron oxide (1%) a layer pH-buffered artificial seawater medium above, which had labile organic-matter (yeast extract) inoculum anaerobic, sulfate-reducing bacteria. Twigs (5) pressed into systems incubated loose lid, air at 15°C up 12 weeks. These varied reflect those thought promote formation natural environment (high concentrations reactive bioavailable organic matter, local concentration material, concurrent...