EPR Investigation of Organic Radicals in Chert Found in Alluvial Soil of Kizilirmak Delta Basin

Abstract

Chert samples found in alluvial soil of Kizilirmak Delta basin, Bafra District on the shore of Black Sea, were investigated with Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectroscopy which is one of the basic spectroscopic methods used to obtain information about free radicals trapped in various environments and the structure of paramagnetic centers. Organic impurities in chert samples are sensitive to high-energy radiation and are stable under normal environmental conditions. Microcrystalline chert samples include various organic radicals which are preserved in leakproof cages in SiO2 lattices. The origin of organic impurities from primitive microorganisms in Archean silicified sediments of Tethys oceans, crystallization of chert from sediments in North Anatolian Fault and formation of organic radicals were discussed. EPR investigations of radicals were carried out on non-irradiated and irradiated chert samples to see the radiation response, under variable microwave power and temperature conditions to determine the dynamics and stabilities of radicals in chert samples.