@article{2-s2.0-85173474122,

title = {Preservation, diagenetic transformation and paleoecological significance of fungal saccharides from lignites and fossil wood},

author = { L. Marynowski and J. Smolarek-Lach and P.K. Singh and B.R.T. Simoneit},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85173474122&doi=10.1016%2fj.orggeochem.2023.104686&partnerID=40&md5=df01716b734890ef3ace85b7df6820f8},

doi = {10.1016/j.orggeochem.2023.104686},

issn = {01466380},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-01-01},

journal = {Organic Geochemistry},

volume = {185},

publisher = {Elsevier Ltd},

abstract = {Fungi are a common component of terrestrial ecosystems, although their preservation as molecular fossils is relatively rare. Saccharides, such as arabitol, mannitol and trehalose, are important in biochemical processes, and are the dominant compounds in fungi, lichens and yeasts. Here we present gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis of fungal saccharides in brown coal extracts and compare their distribution to extant white, brown, and soft-rot fungi. Distribution differs depending on the type of decay in modern and fossil wood-decomposing fungi. An arabitol/(arabitol + trehalose) ratio higher than 0.6 for extant and fossil fungi is diagnostic for soft and brown rot, while values below 0.4 are characteristic of white rot fungi. Values between 0.4 and 0.6 suggest a mixed origin of fungal saccharides. The observed differences may shed light on the type of fungal activity, in particular relatated to climatic conditions of the Cenozoic. We conclude that saccharides can be good indicators, sensitive to climate change, of wood degradation by fungi in thermally immature organic matter. As a case study, early Cenozoic lignites were formed on low latitudes in the tropics during or near the Paleocene/Eocene thermal maximum, as extant soft rot fungi can withstand extremes of temperature and humidity. The presence of these fungi is confirmed by the dominance of arabitol over trehalose in most of the Lower Cenozoic lignites and arabitol/(arabitol + trehalose) ratio values higher than 0.6. In contrast, Miocene detritic coals, which were formed in temperate to subtropical climates, contain saccharides derived from a mixture of different fungi with white rot predominance. © 2023 Elsevier Ltd},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85111334635,

title = {Preservation of hemicellulose remnants in sedimentary organic matter},

author = { L. Marynowski and M. Bucha and M. Lempart-Drozd and M. Stępień and M. Kondratowicz and J. Smolarek-Lach and M. Rybicki and M. Goryl and J.J. Brocks and B.R.T. Simoneit},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85111334635&doi=10.1016%2fj.gca.2021.07.003&partnerID=40&md5=3db5f77e50b98e7da685875bb2ec57e8},

doi = {10.1016/j.gca.2021.07.003},

issn = {00167037},

year  = {2021},

date = {2021-01-01},

journal = {Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta},

volume = {310},

pages = {32-46},

publisher = {Elsevier Ltd},

abstract = {Cellulose has been identified in fossil material, but the preservation potential of hemicelluloses, which are less resistant to decomposition than cellulose, is generally considered very low. Here we present the discovery of hemicellulose in Miocene xylites (fossil wood) and Cretaceous xylo-detritic coals from Poland. The main building blocks of hemicelluloses in softwood are mannose, glucose, xylose with lesser amounts of galactose and arabinose. These saccharides were detected in the coals and xylites using independent geochemical methods. Based on chemical analysis, the lignites contained significant holocellulose (22–37%), α-cellulose (8–29%) and hemicellulose (7–13%). In the smoke from a xylite burn test, levoglucosan and mannosan were dominant, the latter a specific hemicellulose alteration product. Glucose and mannose products dominated after methanolysis, with minor galactose and xylose. The main hemicellulosic polysaccharides in lignite appear to be glucomannan and/or galactoglucomannan but with a lower mannose content, possibly connected to wood degradation by fungi. The preservation of hemicelluloses in fossil material may be due to structural interconnection between lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose (i.e. lignocellulose), common in extant wood. This is the first documentation of hemicelluloses in fossil material. Our results show that not only cellulose, but also hemicelluloses can persist for millions of years under favorable conditions with only minor structural changes due to slow microbial and/or diagenetic decay. In fossil wood, types of hemicellulose can help assess whether the ancient plants were related to gymnosperms or angiosperms. © 2021 Elsevier Ltd},

note = {3},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85118340781,

title = {Sugars in environmental samples and sedimentary rocks – effectiveness in derivatization for gc-ms analysis},

author = { J. Smolarek-Lach and M. Goryl and L. Marynowski},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85118340781&doi=10.7306%2fgq.1609&partnerID=40&md5=c4221a181e37b6816e7846806d54f20f},

doi = {10.7306/gq.1609},

issn = {16417291},

year  = {2021},

date = {2021-01-01},

journal = {Geological Quarterly},

volume = {65},

number = {3},

publisher = {Polish Geological Institute},

abstract = {Saccharides (sugars), common constituents of the bio-and geosphere, are useful in determining the source of organic matter (OM) in aerosols and early diagenetic phases. Due to the chemical properties and great diversity of sugars in nature, a wide range of techniques is used for the isolation and quantification of saccharides. Here, gas chromatography-mass spec-trometry analysis, preceded by derivatization with N-methyl-N-trimethylsilyl-trifluoroacetamide (MSTFA) and N,O-bis(trimethylsilyl)tri fluoroacetamide (BSTFA), was undertaken. The effectiveness of this derivatization was demonstrated for soils, aerosols, fungi, and individual sugar standards. The efficacy of BSTFA derivatization for individual sugar standards and, similarly, for samples of sugars in winter and summer aerosols was adequate. In fungi and soil samples, the MSTFA re-agent was much more effective. Different mono-and disaccharides were identified in biological samples and sedimentary rocks, showing not only the great diversity of these compounds but also the specificity of their origin in recent and ancient OM. Greater variation in the occurrence of sugars in soils compared to rocks may suggest differences in the stability of some saccharides at an early stage of diagenetic transformation. Comparison of the occurrence of certain sugars in biological samples and sedimentary rocks sheds new light on the origin and preservation of these biomolecules. © 2021, Polish Geological Institute. All rights reserved.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85090745479,

title = {Vegetation-and environmental changes on non-reclaimed spoil heaps in Southern Poland},

author = { O. Rahmonov and R. Krzysztofik and D. Środek and J. Smolarek-Lach},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85090745479&doi=10.3390%2fbiology9070164&partnerID=40&md5=547f3aac164fd7130be4bd336594766e},

doi = {10.3390/biology9070164},

issn = {20797737},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-01-01},

journal = {Biology},

volume = {9},

number = {7},

pages = {1-22},

publisher = {MDPI AG},

abstract = {The study focused on the changes in vegetation and soils on an undeveloped area of coal mine spoil heaps. The process of vegetation changes was evaluated on the basis of historical cartographic materials and fieldwork. Changes of vegetation in nearly 200 years are presented herein. The main purpose of this study is to present an analysis of spatio-temporal changes in vegetation and their influence on soil features. The diversity of ecological species in terms of habitat requirements, tendency of hornbeam communities formation, and the relationship between forest communities and soil features was found. The basic soil properties were examined under selected plant communities (pH; Corg; Nt), available forms of elements (P; K; Mg), and as plant nutrients and heavy metal occurrence (Fe; Zn; Mn; Co; Cd; Pb; Sr; Cr; Cu). The soil organic carbon (Corg) content varied from 3.17 ± 0.007% to 17.7 ± 0.21% and significant differences were observed between sites. The highest total nitrogen (Nt) content was recorded in the soils of the sites that were represented by Populus-Betula stands (0.60 ± 0.01%). Soil acidity (pH) varied greatly, ranging from acidic (pH = 4.1) to weakly acidic (pH = 5.9). The highest value for Mgavail (205.43 ± 0.5 mg·kg−1) was noted in the soils under Calamagrostis epegijos (L.) Roth community and for Pavail (184.07 ± 3.77) and Kavail (346.19 ± 2.92 mg·kg−1) under the Quercus-Pinus stand. On all sites, Zn was a dominant element and its concentration ranged from 526.1 to 1060.4 mg·kg−1. Obtained results show how important it is to study the issue of vegetation changes and the formation of the landscape within an industrial city. The described results are important for the management of urban greening issues. Human influence on the disintegration and development of the natural environment is clearly visible. Due to the diversity of former mining areas and their time of creation, the studied area is one of the most important experimental areas for the determination link between vegetation and soil. © 2020 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.},

note = {18},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85081047423,

title = {Terpenoid biomarkers of ambers from Miocene tropical paleoenvironments in Borneo and of their potential extant plant sources},

author = { B.R.T. Simoneit and D.R. Oros and Ł. Karwowski and Ł. Szendera and J. Smolarek-Lach and M. Goryl and M. Bucha and M. Rybicki and L. Marynowski},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85081047423&doi=10.1016%2fj.coal.2020.103430&partnerID=40&md5=bbc4d9da365e778a7079a51113ac8268},

doi = {10.1016/j.coal.2020.103430},

issn = {01665162},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-01-01},

journal = {International Journal of Coal Geology},

volume = {221},

publisher = {Elsevier B.V.},

abstract = {The chemical composition of ambers is highly diverse, characterized by the occurrence of a variety of terpenoids including: mono-, sesqui-, di-, and triterpenoids. The direct analyses of their chemical constituents in total extracts using polar solvents permits the elucidation of unaltered natural products, which are characteristic of the source plants or paleobiome. At this time, knowledge is limited about the plant origins of fossil resins that formed in tropical climatic conditions. Here, we present the complex chemical characteristics of Miocene fossil resins (resinites; termed here as ambers) from the tropics of Kalimantan (Borneo; Indonesia). Extant plant resins from the same geoclimatic region were also analyzed to identify the potential botanical sources of the ambers. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analyses of total extracts (silylated and methylated) of natural and amber samples were carried out and compared with standard compounds. The main producers of resins forming these Miocene ambers were angiosperms - probably resins of Shorea and less likely Hopea, but not Dipterocarpus species. The key chemotaxonomic marker, present in the ambers and extant Shorea species, was asiatic acid. All samples were composed of sesquiterpenoids and triterpenoids in various proportions, without diterpenoids, characteristic for flowering plants. The sesquiterpenoids in the resins of both ambers and extant plants were primarily natural products with the cadinane skeleton. The triterpenoids of the extant resins of the Dipterocarpaceae and Miocene ambers were characterized by a prevalence of ursane over oleanane types. Polymerization of cadinoids in resins from Shorea species and in the ambers was not extensive. Based on the amber compositions we conclude that the molecular alteration of the Miocene deposits from Kalimantan is rather low, but differs depending on their location. © 2020 Elsevier B.V.},

note = {15},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85076608823,

title = {Origin and significance of saccharides during initial pedogenesis in a temperate climate region},

author = { L. Marynowski and O. Rahmonov and J. Smolarek-Lach and M. Rybicki and B.R.T. Simoneit},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85076608823&doi=10.1016%2fj.geoderma.2019.114064&partnerID=40&md5=54ee9e53760ab5f89e7e8e87428a1e3f},

doi = {10.1016/j.geoderma.2019.114064},

issn = {00167061},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-01-01},

journal = {Geoderma},

volume = {361},

publisher = {Elsevier B.V.},

abstract = {Saccharides are common constituents of soils, but their role and origin in the initial phases of pedogenesis remain unclear. Here we show the detailed composition of neutral sugars extracted from arenosols at different development stages, combined with additional lipids of diverse origins using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS). During the first stage (I) of development sucrose is the most abundant saccharide in the soil crust at up to 45,000 µg/g TOC. Sucrose is also the predominant compound in the second and third development stages, but its concentration decreased to the range of 1600 to 16,000 µg/g TOC. Stages II and III of soil development were characterized by a gradual increase in arabitol, mannitol and trehalose, compounds typical for fungi and lichen. Their abundances increased from several percent (compared to the major sucrose) to 10–32% for mannitol and 34–54% for trehalose. Moreover, in stage III there was a considerable increase in the contents of the saccharides: pinitol, myo-inositol, scyllo-inositol, arabinose, together with non-sugar compounds: dehydroabietic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, gallic acid and sitosterol. All these latter compounds are higher plant markers, mainly derived from conifer detritus. The relationships between the ratios of trehalose/sucrose vs. (mannitol + arabitol)/sucrose and TOC vs. (mannitol + arabitol)/sucrose differentiated precisely the top soil layer of arenosols which are covered by different stages of biological soil crust. Our study shows that free sugars, supplemented by lipid biomarkers and total organic carbon contents, are good indicators of soil in the initial phase of pedogenesis. © 2019 The Authors},

note = {7},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85062285436,

title = {Mercury Spikes Indicate a Volcanic Trigger for the Late Ordovician Mass Extinction Event: An Example from a Deep Shelf of the Peri-Baltic Region},

author = { J. Smolarek-Lach and L. Marynowski and W. Trela and P.B. Wignall},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85062285436&doi=10.1038%2fs41598-019-39333-9&partnerID=40&md5=2241b962ef650d98c001033a4f67c00c},

doi = {10.1038/s41598-019-39333-9},

issn = {20452322},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-01-01},

journal = {Scientific Reports},

volume = {9},

number = {1},

publisher = {Nature Publishing Group},

abstract = {The Late Ordovician mass extinction (LOME) was the second largest Phanerozoic crisis, but its cause remains elusive. Several triggering mechanisms have been proposed over the years, including bioevolutionary events, oceanographic changes, and geotectonic processes. Here, we report the presence of Hg spikes in the Zbrza PIG-1 borehole from the Upper Ordovician deep shelf sections of the peri-Baltic region. A strong positive anomaly in the lower late Katian (Hg/TOC = 2537.3 ppb/wt%) was noted. No correlation between Hg and TOC (R 2 = 0.07) was distinguished in the Hirnantian, although several positive anomalies were found. Because the Hg/Mo ratio showed trends very similar to those of Hg/TOC, it seems likely that TOC values reflect the redox conditions. In order to evaluate the role of anoxia in levels of Hg enrichment several redox indicators were measured. These showed that the elevated mercury values in the Hirnantian are not caused by anoxia/euxinia because euxinic biomarkers (maleimides and aryl isoprenoids) are present in very low abundance and pyrite framboids are absent. In total, positive Hg/TOC anomalies occur in the lower late Katian, at the Katian - Hirnantian boundary, and in the late Hirnantian. The lack of a strong Hg/TOC correlation, Ni enrichments, and the absence of ‘anoxic indicators’ (no biomarkers; no framboids; low Mo concentration) at these levels, supports the interpretation that Hg enrichment is due to enhanced environmental loading. We conclude that our Hg and Hg/TOC values were associated with volcanic pulses which triggered the massive environmental changes resulting in the Late Ordovician mass extinction. © 2019, The Author(s).},

note = {17},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85067204658,

title = {Utility of Raman spectroscopy in estimates of the thermal maturity of Ediacaran organic matter: An example from the East European Craton},

author = { M. Goryl and K. Banasik and J. Smolarek-Lach and L. Marynowski},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85067204658&doi=10.1016%2fj.chemer.2019.06.001&partnerID=40&md5=15dcf047c30e0ab654519c798e74fe49},

doi = {10.1016/j.chemer.2019.06.001},

issn = {00092819},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-01-01},

journal = {Chemie der Erde},

volume = {79},

number = {3},

pages = {467-474},

publisher = {Elsevier GmbH},

abstract = {Raman spectroscopy was used as a supplementary method to characterise the thermal maturity of Ediacaran organic matter (OM) from the East European Craton. Because this method is based on organic particles measurement, it appears to be a good supplementary method in addition to the acquisition of biomarker data, which is based on extractable organic matter and may be affected by potential contamination. Raman spectroscopy seems to be particularly useful for lower Palaeozoic rocks, which do not contain vitrinite. Here, we compared C31 22S/(S + R) homohopane ratio results (obtained using gas chromatography – mass spectrometry), with various Raman parameters including: G_STA, Gmax position, Dmax/Gmax, FWHMG, RAR, D_STA, and PDmax. Close correlations were observed between C31 22S/(S + R) and G_STA, Gmax position, Dmax/Gmax, and FWHMG, reaching values of R2 = 0.5‒0.6, whereas no correlation existed between homohopane ratio and the RAR, D_STA, and PDmax parameters. Raman spectroscopy results divided Ediacaran samples into two distinctive groups: (i) immature (Russian; Lithuanian; and Belarusian), characterised by relatively higher values of G_STA, Dmax/Gmax, and FWHMG and relatively lower values of PGmax, and (ii) mature (Polish and Ukrainian), with relatively lower values of G_STA, Dmax/Gmax, and FWHMG and relatively higher values of PGmax. Within each group no statistically confirmed differences were found. However, significant discrepancies were observed between the hopane ratio and Raman parameters in Lithuanian samples, in relation to other samples from the group (i). Values of the C31 22S/(S + R) ratio for Lithuanian samples are close to those for the group (ii) and significantly higher than those for the group (i). However, all Raman parameters are the same as those of the rest samples from the group (i), indicating the immature character of OM from Lithuanian rocks. We interpret this discrepancy as representing contamination of the cores with drilling fluids, resulting in increased values for the C31 22S/(S + R) ratio. In this case, Raman spectroscopy is a useful tool for detecting extract contamination and appears to be an effective and decisive method in the case of rocks suspected of contamination. © 2019 Elsevier GmbH},

note = {6},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85057341552,

title = {Trehalose, mannitol and arabitol as indicators of fungal metabolism in Late Cretaceous and Miocene deposits},

author = { L. Marynowski and M. Goryl and M. Bucha and J. Smolarek-Lach and A. Detman and A. Sikora and A. Chojnacka and B.R.T. Simoneit},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85057341552&doi=10.1016%2fj.coal.2018.11.003&partnerID=40&md5=9b63c4825a8532e9e734e81fc419aff9},

doi = {10.1016/j.coal.2018.11.003},

issn = {01665162},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-01-01},

journal = {International Journal of Coal Geology},

volume = {201},

pages = {51-61},

publisher = {Elsevier B.V.},

abstract = {Trehalose, mannitol and arabitol are the main saccharides of extant fungal metabolism, but their occurrence and distribution in geological materials have rarely been considered. Here, we identify these sugars in Miocene lignites and for the first time in Late Cretaceous mudstones and coals. The co-occurrence of trehalose, mannitol and arabitol in the sedimentary rocks investigated suggests their fungal origin, because these three saccharides are major compounds present in most modern fungi, including the very common mycorrhizal and wood-rotting groups. Therefore, we conclude that these sugars should be treated as new fungal biomarkers (biomolecules) present in geological rocks. Trehalose and mannitol are major compounds in total extracts of the samples and a sum of their concentration reaches 4.6 μg/g of sample. The arabitol concentrations do not exceed 0.5 μg/g, but in contrast to trehalose, the concentration correlates well with mannitol (R2 = 0.94), suggesting that they have the same, translocatory role in fungi. Based on the trehalose vs. mannitol and arabitol distributions in Cretaceous samples and their comparison with data for modern fungi, we preliminarily conclude that the coal seams from the Rakowice Małe (SW Poland) section were formed during warmer climatic periods than the overlying sediments. Furthermore, no DNA could be isolated from the samples of lignites and overlying sediments, whereas it was abundant in the control samples of maple, birch and oak wood degraded by fungi. This indicates an absence of recent fungi responsible for decay in lignites and implies that the saccharide origin is connected with ancient fungi. Other sugar alcohols and acids like D-pinitol, quinic acid and shikimic acid, were found for the first time in sedimentary rocks, and their source is inferred to be from higher plants, most likely conifers. The preservation of mono- and disaccharides of fungal origins in pre-Palaeogene strata implies that compounds previously thought as unstable can survive for tens to hundreds of millions of years without structural changes in immature rocks unaffected by secondary processes. © 2018},

note = {10},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85037356247,

title = {Occurrence and significance of mono-, di- and anhydrosaccharide biomolecules in Mesozoic and Cenozoic lignites and fossil wood},

author = { L. Marynowski and M. Bucha and J. Smolarek-Lach and M. Wendorff-Belon and B.R.T. Simoneit},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85037356247&doi=10.1016%2fj.orggeochem.2017.11.008&partnerID=40&md5=2d3cf3128c5a6ef57eaa5c7b988222f1},

doi = {10.1016/j.orggeochem.2017.11.008},

issn = {01466380},

year  = {2018},

date = {2018-01-01},

journal = {Organic Geochemistry},

volume = {116},

pages = {13-22},

publisher = {Elsevier Ltd},

abstract = {Mono-, di- and polysaccharides are common constituents of living organisms, but their occurrence and state of preservation in geological materials have only rarely been considered. Here, we present the monosaccharide, and for the first time the di- and anhydrosaccharide, identifications and distributions in Middle Miocene lignite and Middle Jurassic fossil wood samples. Detritic lignites contain fructose and glucose as dominant monosaccharides, and sucrose and trehalose as important disaccharides. Xylites contain monosaccharides (arabinose; arabinofuranose; glucose; and minor xylose and fructose), saccharols (erythritol; arabitol and mannitol), and also some disaccharides. The Middle Jurassic fossil wood samples contain glucose, glucofuranose and levoglucosan. The high content of holocellulose (up to 55 wt%) and co-occurrence of characteristic monosaccharides as arabinose, xylose and mannose in xylites suggests that not only cellulose, but also hemicellulose was preserved in samples as old as 13 Ma. Compounds like trehalose and mannitol appear to be products of wood-degrading fungi. Surprisingly, glucose, the most stable monosaccharide, and levoglucosan can occur in much older organic matter (ca. 168 Ma) as products from cellulose degradation, and possibly a remnant from wildfire burning of wood, respectively. Our findings confirm that saccharides can be preserved under favorable conditions in sedimentary organic matter of the Mesozoic to the Cenozoic eras, and can be used as specific biomarkers of cellulose and hemicellulose degradation, fungal metabolism, and wildfire events. However, we cannot exclude the possibility that at least part of the saccharides may be preserved in sedimentary rocks as the free compounds, common in plants and microorganisms. © 2017 Elsevier Ltd},

note = {19},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-84957551220,

title = {Lower Wenlock black shales in the northern Holy Cross Mountains, Poland: Sedimentary and geochemical controls on the Ireviken Event in a deep marine setting},

author = { J. Smolarek-Lach and W. Trela and D.P.G. Bond and L. Marynowski},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84957551220&doi=10.1017%2fS0016756815001065&partnerID=40&md5=3bbbebe541c7bd2105b9b176821112ff},

doi = {10.1017/S0016756815001065},

issn = {00167568},

year  = {2017},

date = {2017-01-01},

journal = {Geological Magazine},

volume = {154},

number = {2},

pages = {247-264},

publisher = {Cambridge University Press},

abstract = {The stratigraphic variability and geochemistry of Llandovery/Wenlock (L/W) Series boundary sediments in Poland reveals that hemipelagic sedimentation under an anoxic/euxinic water column was interrupted by low-density bottom currents or detached diluted turbid layers that resulted in intermittent seafloor oxygenation. Total organic carbon values and inorganic proxies throughout the Wilków 1 borehole section suggest variable redox conditions. U/Mo ratios > 1 throughout much of the Aeronian and Telychian stages, together with an absence of pyrite framboids, suggest oxygenated conditions prevailed. However, elevated total organic carbon near the Aeronian/Telychian boundary, together with increased U/Th and V/(V + Ni) ratios and populations of small pyrite framboids are consistent with the development of dysoxic/anoxic conditions at that time. U/Th, V/Cr and V/(V + Ni) ratios, as well as Uauthig and Mo concentrations, suggest that during the Ireviken black shale deposition, bottom-water conditions deteriorated from oxic during Telychian time to mostly suboxic/anoxic immediately prior to the L/W boundary, before a brief reoxygenation at the end of the Ireviken black shale sedimentation in the Sheinwoodian Stage. Rapid fluctuations in U/Mo during the Ireviken Event are characteristic of fluctuating redox conditions that culminated in an anoxic/euxinic seafloor in Sheinwoodian time. Following Ireviken black shale deposition, conditions once again became oxygen deficient with the development of a euxinic zone in the water column. The Aeronian to Sheinwoodian deep-water redox history was unstable, and rapid fluctuations of the chemocline across the L/W Series boundary probably contributed to the Ireviken Event extinctions, which affected mainly pelagic and hemipelagic fauna. Copyright © 2016 Cambridge University Press.},

note = {29},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85010053608,

title = {Redox conditions and marine microbial community changes during the end-Ordovician mass extinction event},

author = { J. Smolarek-Lach and L. Marynowski and W. Trela and P. Kujawski and B.R.T. Simoneit},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85010053608&doi=10.1016%2fj.gloplacha.2017.01.002&partnerID=40&md5=d6392489e111424b6dce7a745f360329},

doi = {10.1016/j.gloplacha.2017.01.002},

issn = {09218181},

year  = {2017},

date = {2017-01-01},

journal = {Global and Planetary Change},

volume = {149},

pages = {105-122},

publisher = {Elsevier B.V.},

abstract = {The end-Ordovician (Hirnantian) crisis is the first globally distinct extinction during the Phanerozoic, but its causes are still not fully known. Here, we present an integrated geochemical and petrographic analysis to understand the sedimentary conditions taking place before, during and after the Late Ordovician ice age. New data from the Zbrza (Holy Cross Mountains) and Gołdap (Baltic Depression) boreholes shows that, like in other worldwide sections, the total organic carbon (TOC) content is elevated in the upper Katian and uppermost Hirnantian to Rhudannian black shales, but depleted (below 1%) during most of the Hirnantian. Euxinic conditions occurred in the photic zone in both TOC-rich intervals. This is based on the maleimide distribution, occurrence of aryl isoprenoids and isorenieratane, as well as a dominance of tiny pyrite framboids. Euxinic conditions were interrupted by the Hirnantian regression caused by glaciation. Sedimentation on the deep shelf changed to aerobic probably due to intense thermohaline circulation. Euxinia in the water column occurred directly during the time associated with the second pulse of the mass extinction with a termination of the end-Ordovician glaciation and sea level rise just at the Ordovician/Silurian (O/S) boundary. In contrast, we suggest based on inorganic proxies that bottom water conditions were generally oxic to dysoxic due to upwelling in the Rheic Ocean. The only episode of seafloor anoxia in the Zbrza basin was found at the O/S boundary, where all inorganic indicators showed elevated values typical for anoxia (U/Th > 1.25; V/Cr > 4.25; V/(V + Ni): 0.54–0.82 and Mo > 10–25 ppm). Significant differences in hopanes to steranes ratio and in C27–C29 sterane distribution between the Katian, Rhudannian and Hirnantian deposits indicate changes in marine microbial communities triggered by sharp climate change and Gondwana glaciation. The increase from biomarkers of cyanobacteria (2α-methylhopanes) after the O/S boundary implied enhanced microbial activity following the mass extinction event. © 2017 Elsevier B.V.},

note = {25},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-84977660270,

title = {Llandovery green/grey and black mudrock facies of the northern Holy Cross Mountains (Poland) and their relation to early Silurian sea-level changes and benthic oxygen level},

author = { W. Trela and T. Podhalańska and J. Smolarek-Lach and L. Marynowski},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84977660270&doi=10.1016%2fj.sedgeo.2016.06.003&partnerID=40&md5=b0d5827b3f56e386eba3d98db8b91ed2},

doi = {10.1016/j.sedgeo.2016.06.003},

issn = {00370738},

year  = {2016},

date = {2016-01-01},

journal = {Sedimentary Geology},

volume = {342},

pages = {66-77},

publisher = {Elsevier B.V.},

abstract = {The Llandovery mudrock facies in the northern Holy Cross Mountains reveal lithological variability allowing their interpretation in the context of post-Ordovician climate and sea-level changes in the Caledonian foredeep basin developed along the present SW margin of Baltica. They form a succession up to 50 m thick made up of grey and greenish clayey mudstones interrupted by black shales. The sedimentary and geochemical data (total organic carbon; pyrite framboids and trace metals) clearly show that the black shales document periods of the significant sediment starvation and oxygen- deficient conditions. Their occurrence is confined to the persculptus–acuminatus, vesiculosus, cyphus, convolutus–sedgwickii, turriculatus–crispus, crenulata and spiralis graptolite biozones and they can be correlated with post-glacial transgressions. In contrast, the grey and greenish mudstones are interpreted as lithofacies reflecting permanent benthic oxygenation driven by deep-water ventilation during the Aeronian and Telychian regressions supported by sedimentary and geochemical studies, and diameters of pyrite framboids © 2016 Elsevier B.V.},

note = {21},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-85027931246,

title = {Perylene degradation during gradual onset of organic matter maturation},

author = { L. Marynowski and J. Smolarek-Lach and Y. Hautevelle},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85027931246&doi=10.1016%2fj.coal.2014.04.013&partnerID=40&md5=2c480ca590ab177c84ba31c7d8a3ecc1},

doi = {10.1016/j.coal.2014.04.013},

issn = {01665162},

year  = {2015},

date = {2015-01-01},

journal = {International Journal of Coal Geology},

volume = {139},

number = {1},

pages = {17-25},

publisher = {Elsevier B.V.},

abstract = {Perylene and benzo[a]pyrene concentration changes during the gradual increase of thermal maturity have been analyzed for the Palaeogene Podhale flysh deposits and other Palaeozoic to Cenozoic sedimentary rock samples. Perylene is present in high relative concentration in the samples of maturation below 0.6% of the vitrinite reflectance (Rr), while in the range of 0.6%-0.7% Rr its abundance rapidly decreased. In the case of samples with vitrinite reflectance higher than 0.7% Rr, perylene compound disappeared completely. Benzo[a]pyrene is also thermally unstable at elevated temperatures and its relative concentration is very low above vitrinite reflectance values of ca. 0.9%. Such results could have important palaeoenvironmental implications. If these five-ring polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon compounds are characterized by low to moderate thermal stability, then their use as a wood-degrading fungi tracer in the case of perylene and palaeo-wildfire indicator in the case of benzo[a]pyrene is limited only to samples of maturation below the oil window range and below the major phase of oil generation, respectively. These results explain the scarcity of perylene in Palaeozoic sedimentary rocks, which are generally of higher maturation than the younger deposits. © 2014 Elsevier B.V.},

note = {21},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-84947218681,

title = {Vitrinite equivalent reflectance of Silurian black shales from the Holy Cross Mountains, Poland},

author = { J. Smolarek-Lach and L. Marynowski and K. Spunda and W. Trela},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84947218681&doi=10.1515%2fmipo-2015-0006&partnerID=40&md5=51c76700b1424ce74b001eaa25bd6d7c},

doi = {10.1515/mipo-2015-0006},

issn = {18998291},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-01-01},

journal = {Mineralogia},

volume = {45},

number = {3-4},

pages = {79-96},

publisher = {De Gruyter Open Ltd},

abstract = {A number of independent methods have been used to measure the thermal maturity of Silurian rocks from the Holy Cross Mountains in Poland. Black shales are characterized by diverse TOC values varying from 0.24-7.85%. Having calculated vitrinite equivalent reflectance using three different formulas, we propose that the most applicable values for the Silurian rocks are those based on Schmidt et al. (2015) equation. Based on this formula, the values range from % 0.71 VReqvVLR (the vitrinite equivalent reflectance of the vitrinite-like macerals) to % 1.96 VReqvVLR. Alternative, complementary methods including Rock Eval pyrolysis and parameters based on organic compounds (CPI; Pr/n-C17; Ph/n-C18; MPI1; and MDR) from extracts did not prove adequate as universal thermal maturity indicators. We have confirmed previous suggestions that Llandovery shales are the most likely Silurian source rocks for the generation of hydrocarbons in the HCM. © 2014 Justyna Smolarek et al., published by De Gruyter Open.},

note = {12},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{2-s2.0-84877913365,

title = {Perylene as an indicator of conifer fossil wood degradation by wood-degrading fungi},

author = { L. Marynowski and J. Smolarek-Lach and A. Bechtel and M. Philippe and S. Kurkiewicz and B.R.T. Simoneit},

url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84877913365&doi=10.1016%2fj.orggeochem.2013.04.006&partnerID=40&md5=58cc07d7de1af2c0aaaecf0e3fee090e},

doi = {10.1016/j.orggeochem.2013.04.006},

issn = {01466380},

year  = {2013},

date = {2013-01-01},

journal = {Organic Geochemistry},

volume = {59},

pages = {143-151},

abstract = {The occurrence of perylene in Middle Jurassic fossil wood and Miocene xylites from Poland is described, along with its correlation with unsubstituted polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) as well as cellulose content. Both Middle Jurassic and Miocene wood remnants were of relatively low maturity [ca. 0.2-0.3% vitrinite reflectance (Rr)], had excellent preservation of biomarkers and biomolecules and, in the case of the Middle Jurassic fossil wood samples, generally good preservation of anatomical structures due to early diagenetic mineralisation. The results from 42 Middle Jurassic and 8 Miocene (most taxonomically defined) fossil wood fragments demonstrated a negative correlation between the concentration of perylene and those of generally typical conifer biomarkers (e.g. cadalene; dehydroabietane; simonellite and retene). In addition, good correlation (R2 0.81) was observed between the ratio of perylene to the above conifer biomarkers and the ratio of PAHs (phenanthrene and fluoranthene and pyrene) to the conifer biomarkers. This implies that the high concentration of perylene in fossil wood indicate its extensive degradation during decay, transport and early diagenesis. We defined a conifer wood degradation index as:CWDI=perylene/(perylene+cadalene+retene+simonellite+dehydroabietane),and observed a wide range of values (0.001 for less degraded wood to 0.95 for highly degraded samples). Anatomical wood preservation was associated with CWDI values. In most of the samples characterised by poorly preserved anatomy, high CWDI values were observed, while anatomically well-preserved samples generally had lower CWDI values. We determined similar δ13C values for perylene from the fossil wood samples (-26.4% to -27.8%), whereas the values for the conifer biomarkers were slightly higher and varied from -25.6% to -26.6%. In contrast, pyrene was depleted in 13C (-27.5% to -28.2%). The carbon isotope values of perylene are consistent with an origin from wood-degrading fungi. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.},

note = {72},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}