🚀 go-pugleaf

Natural leaf decomposition is largely done by enzymes 
produced by fungi in the soil, not by acids. Probably the most 
important enzymes are the ones which break down cellulose 
(cellulases)and lignin (lignases), a very complex substance in 
wood and the veins of leaves, composed of a 3 -dimensional 
cross-linked array of phenolic units - sort of a natural plastic.

The U.S. Army Nattick Laboratory in Nattick, Massachusetts was, 
and may still be, a leading center of research on the fungal 
enzymes which degrade lignin. That lab published lots of papers 
about it work, so I suggest your friend check them out. The reason 
for government interest was the possibility of converting wood and 
other forms of plant biomass (fallen leaves ?) into chemical 
feedstocks from which useful things could be made, I guess 
especially in times of national emergency when feedstocks normally 
available from overseas might not be available.

There is a Center for Complex Carbohydrate Research in Athens, 
Georgia. Its staff members should be able to provide your friend 
with leads to literature on how cellulose and other 
polysaccharides in leaves are depolymerized.

Hope some of this helps.

Phil Filner, Ph.D. plant biocxhemist 
(used to be a Professor of Biochemistry)
pfilner@mail.bcpl.lib.md.us