What happens to peat during bog fires? Thermal transformation processes of peat organic matter
University of Latvia, Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences, Department of Environmental Sciences, Raina blvd. 19, LV 1586 Riga, Latvia
*Correspondence: maris.klavins@lu.lv
Abstract:
Bog fires are a serious natural phenomena. Major increase in the number of fires has happened during the last decades due to bog transformation into agricultural lands, accidents and human activities. During bog fires the peat is exposed to high temperatures due to which chemical transformation and even mineralisation of peat can occur. The aim of the study was to analyse the impacts of the bog fires on the bog as an ecosystem, advance the understanding and knowledge of fire impact on peat and humic matter properties and application possibilities. As the material for the study peat samples from burnt sites and thermally treated peat were used. To reveal peat transformation during bog fires, thermogravimetric analysis of peat samples were done, where amounts of bitumens, humic acids and mineral matter were estimated. During bog fires thermal modification of peat properties takes place, resulting in full mineralisation of peat and release of mineral substances. Bog fires lead to development of peat char, bitumens and significant changes in structure and properties of peat humic acids. However, from perspective of application of peat as a substrate and from perspective of impacts on the bog ecosystems, the effects are negligible.
Key words:
bog fires, humic substances, peat, recultivation, torrefication