Research topics about RPO-¹⁴C and application in organic geochemistry

The analysis and characterization of organic carbon properties based on thermal stability is a widely-used method in studying the evolution and cycling of organic carbon in the environment. Ramped pyrolysis/oxidation (RPO)-¹⁴C technology is currently at the forefront of organic geochemistry research and is an effective approach for studying the burial and preservation of organic carbon in sediments. At present, the improvement and development of RPO-¹⁴C technology has provided a new tool for understanding the organic carbon conversion mechanism in organic geochemistry. Therefore, it is necessary to summarize systematically the progress and research significance of RPO-¹⁴C technology. In this paper, we introduced the test method and basic principle of RPO-¹⁴C analysis, described the details in device of ramped pyrolysis/oxidation and ¹⁴C analysis equipment, proposed technical improvement including device modification and temperature control, and pointed out the extension of combined use with different methods for analysis. In addition, we reviewed its applications in the research into sediments on the topics of: the mechanism of organic carbon transformation and preservation, the advancement in sediment chronology, and the tracing of environmental pollution recorded in sediments. The processes from generation, migration, transformation, to burial of sediment organic carbon in natural environment can be reconstructed with the help of efficient separation based on pyrolysis characteristics, to invert and assess the organic carbon cycle mechanism and carbon sink pattern on a global scale. This study provided an overview of the application potential and future directions of RPO-¹⁴C technology in characterizing marine organic carbon to inspire future research in various fields.