Abstract
In this study, the properties of organic matter existing in deposited sediment in estuarine region are identified based on the ignition behavior of the sediment. It was found that the properties of the sediment could be decided by the proportions of unstable and humic organic matter. Based on conditions of pore water (e.g. pH, ORP) of the sediment, it is clear that the deposition conditions of the sediment were different due to different properties of the sediment. In addition, a model considering the decompositions and the proportions of both unstable and humic organic matter was proposed to predict the decomposition rate of the sediment. The experimental data was reproduced by this model, indicating that the proportions of unstable and humic organic matter can be a useful tool for evaluating the properties of the sediment.
