Spectral characteristics of dissolved organic carbon derived from biomass-pyrogenic smoke (SDOC) in the aqueous environment and its solubilization effect on hydrophobic organic pollutants

Dissolved organic carbon derived from biomass-pyrogenic smoke (SDOC) can be transported and deposited with atmospheric aerosols, enter aqueous environments, and possibly alter aqueous chemistry and quality. However, the characteristics of SDOC in aqueous environments and their effects on the fate of hydrophobic organic pollutants are poorly understood. In this study, we found that the emitted SDOC is 7.2∼19.6 wt.% of biochar retained in situ after biomass pyrolysis, and the emitted SDOC is approximately 1–3 orders of magnitude greater than dissolved organic carbon (DOC) released from biochar in a short term, which indicates that SDOC is a more important source of DOC in aqueous environments relative to biochar-released DOC after a biomass burning/pyrolysis event. The characteristics of SDOC in aqueous environments are dominated by the <1000 Da fraction, which accounts for >96 wt.% of bulk SDOC. In comparison with DOC in biochar, natural water, and soil, the S₂₇₅–₂₉₅ value of SDOC (0.037–0.053) is significantly greater, further indicating that SDOC has a smaller molecular size. Moreover, fluorescence EEM suggests that a fluorescence component located at the Ex/Em of 205/310 nm and the combinational ranges of fluorescence index (1.28–2.28), humification index (0.07–0.80), and biological index (1.16–1.72) can be used to identify SDOC from DOC in other media. Solubilization experiments indicated that SDOC (20 mg/L) improved the solubility of hydrophobic pollutants (pyrene and triclocarban) by 2–6 folds in aqueous environments, which potentially enhances the mobility of pollutants and enlarges the potential risk region. This study indicates that SDOC may cause a severe harm to aqueous environments in addition to the atmosphere. The results have profound implications for comprehensive assessments of the environmental effects of SDOC while promoting its identification and elucidating its behavior in aqueous environments.