The occurrence of monounsaturated n-C{sub 21} and polyunsaturated C{sub 25} sedimentary hydrocarbons in the liplids of Antractic marine organisms
- Natural Enviroment Research Council, Cambridge (United Kingdom)
Antarctic zooplankton have been found to be a potential source of sedimentary hydrocarbons. Monounsaturated C{sub 21} n-alkenes and highly branched polyunsaturated C{sub 25} n-alkenes were analysed in the aliphatic fraction of the lipids of Antarctic pelagic and inshore marine organisms. Cluster analysis of the species-based data set produced four main groups: phytoplankton, epipelagic herbivores, epipelagic carnivores and mesopelagic omnivores. The detailed pattern of alkenes exhibited differences within the groups and also with tissue type (krill, Euphausia superba). The origin of alkenes in Antarctic biota appeared to be either synthesis de nove or due to the condensation of smaller molecules. Formation of alkenes by the decarboxylation of fatty acids was not consistent with the hydrocarbon and fatty acid composition of Antarctic zooplankton. There was no evidence for direct assimilation of C{sub 21} and C{sub 25} alkenes by zooplankton or higher predators from their diet. Zooplankton C{sub 25} alkenes are probably transported unaltered directly to the sediment as detritus or via predators in faecal material. Sedimentary C{sub 25} alkenes are proposed as biomarkers of recent zooplankton activity in the water column. 18 refs., 3 figs., 1 tab.
- OSTI ID:
- 121311
- Journal Information:
- Polar Biology, Vol. 15, Issue 4; Other Information: PBD: Apr 1995
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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