THE IDENTIFICATION AND DETERMINATION OF GLUCURONIC AND GALACTURONIC ACIDS IN SCOTTISH SOILS AND SOIL FRACTIONS USING ION-EXCHANGE AND GAS-LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY

Two methods have been used for the identification and determination of uronic acids in soils and soil fractions. The uronic acids were released by hydrolysis with sulphuric acid. After partial purification by ion-exchange chromatography they were separated either by further ion-exchange or by gas-liquid chromatography of derivatives. The latter method is preferable for determination of the specific activities of uronic acids in soil tracer work. Both galacturonic and glucuronic acids were detected in the four Scottish soils examined, the galacturonic acid being present in slightly greater amounts in each soil. Mannuronic acid was not detected. The total amount of uronic acids found ranged from about 4 mg to 6 mg/g soil.