SEPARATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF FREE AMINO-ACID ENANTIOMERS IN PEAT BY CAPILLARY GAS-CHROMATOGRAPHY

Racemization of free amino acids in a native peat bog at seven depths from 0 to 5.3 m was studied using glass capillary gas chromatography with a chiral liquid phase, Chirasil-L-Val. Fifteen L-enantiomers were identified: alpha-Ala, Val, Thr, Ile, Pro, Leu, Ser, Asp, Phe, Glu, Tyr, Orn, Met, Asn and Lys. Five D-enantiomers were also found: alpha-Ala, Ser, Asp, Glu and Phe. The D/L ratios at different depths were determined and are discussed in terms of racemization, plant and microbial degradation, and the physical and chemical conditions in the peat bog. In addition, three optically inactive amino acids were identified: beta-Ala, Gly and gamma-aminobutyric acid.