Fraction 4. Metals Bound to Organic Matter. Oxidation of organic matter by acidified hydrogen peroxide, although extensive, is incomplete; sulfide minerals are also extracted to a large extent, as shown in Table 3. According to Jackson, the remaining organic matter should consist of paraffin-like material and resistant structural (nonhumified) organic matter residues. Stronger oxidizing
solutions usually rely upon the use of strong acids, which may seriously attack silicate material. Thus the choice of H202 represents a compromise between complete oxidation and alteration of silicate material.