Mechanisms of ammonia and amino acid photoproduction from aquatic humic and colloidal matter

Photochemical release of free amino acids was observed from dissolved fulvic acid (Suwannee River) and from colloidal fractions collected from Bayou Trepagnier, LA. Water samples were irradiated with a solar simulator, and free amino acid concentrations were determined using high performance liquid chromatography of the fluorescent derivitized amino acids. Increased concentrations of at least 20 amines were observed upon irradiation of water samples. Among the amino acids identified were alanine, asparagine, citrulline, glutamic acid, histidine, norvaline, and serine. Amino acid concentrations increased in the range of 0.03–9.5 nM h−1. Studies on the mechanism of photochemical release of ammonia from dissolved natural organic matter (NOM) indicated at least two mechanisms. One mechanism proceeds through an hydroxyl radical intermediate. This mechanism continues in the dark after irradiation through decomposition of photochemically produced H2O2 to form hydroxyl radical. Although NOM photosensitized degradation of amino acids produces ammonia, amino acids do not appear to be an important intermediate in the photochemical formation of ammonia from NOM.