Decomposition of the Soil Conditioning Polyelectrolytes, HPAN and VAMA in Ohio Soils

C 14 labeled synthetic polyelectrolytes, HPAN (hydrolyzed polyacrylonitrile) and VAMA (a copolymer of vinyl acetate and maleic anhydride) were added to Brookston silty clay loam and Hoytville silty clay respectively, to determine the extent of decomposition of these compounds. In an incubation period of 130 days, radioactive carbon dioxide equivalent to 2.74% of the added HPAN and 0.20% of the added VAMA was produced as a result of microbial metabolism. The addition of 1% carbon as rye grass increased the decomposition of VAMA to 0.30%. Microbial activity, as evidenced by CO 2 evolution, was increased by polyelectrolyte treatment and a correlation between total carbon loss and decomposition of polyelectrolyte is suggested. Biochemical aspects of polyelectrolyte decomposition in soil substrates are discussed.