Size, shape, and stability of organic particles formed during freeze-thaw cycles: Model experiments with tannic acid.

Hypothesis: Freeze-thaw cycles (FTC) in soils can cause the aggregation of dissolved organic matter but controlling factors are little understood.

Experiments: In freeze-thaw experiments with tannic acid (TA) as model substance, we studied the effect of TA concentration, pH, electrolytes (NaCl, CaCl, AlCl), and number of FTC on particle formation. Tannic acid (0.