Metal-bound organic carbon

The binding of metallic minerals to organic carbon (metal-bound OC) serves as a dominant protection mechanism for OC stability; however, the impact of permafrost dynamics on organo-mineral interactions in these carbon-rich peatland ecosystems remains poorly understood, yet have important implications for carbon cycling and emissions. Here we analyzed the metal-bound OC in permafrost-affected and non-permafrost peatlands of Northeast China, along with a synthesis of relevant data from 1,030 observations across major terrestrial ecosystems.