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This study reveals an unexpected aspect of deforestation. It shows that the common practice of slash and burn left huge amounts of charcoal in the soil. This charcoal is washed out by rainfalls and transported by rivers into the Atlantic Ocean. The soluble fraction of charcoal is composed of extremely stable carbon compounds. So far, the effects on marine microorganisms and the global carbon cycle are unknown. [Source: Max Planck Society]
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