Distribution of N-paraffins in sea-grasses, benthic algae, oysters and recent sediments from Terminos Lagoon, Campeche, Mexico
To determine the presence of petroleum hydrocarbons in the components of a marine ecosystem one must first evaluate the relative quality of the hydrocarbons biosynthesized in the system. In this way it is possible to distinguish some of the biogenic hydrocarbons series occurring in marine organisms and sediments from those of fossil origin (Clark and Finley, 1973). Organisms possess specific biosynthetic pathways which favor the production of hydrocarbons in preferred size ranges. Crude oils and oil products, on the other hand, are wide range mixtures that contain molecules of different sizes in fairly even distribution. The primary purpose of this study is to establish the distribution of biogenic n-paraffins in marine ''sea-grasses,'' benthic algae, invertebrates and recent sediments from Terminos Lagoon, Campeche, Mexico. Considering the uncontaminated nature of this coastal region the results of this study will provide a basis for the assessment of future man-induced alterations.
- Research Organization:
- Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Mexico City
- OSTI ID:
- 6931675
- Journal Information:
- Bull. Environ. Contam. Toxicol.; (United States), Vol. 19:2
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
ALKANES
ECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS
CONTAMINATION
AQUATIC ORGANISMS
ALGAE
BENTHOS
BIOCHEMISTRY
INVERTEBRATES
MEXICO
OYSTERS
PETROLEUM
PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
PLANTS
SEAWATER
SEDIMENTS
WATER POLLUTION
ANIMALS
BIOMASS
CHEMISTRY
ECOSYSTEMS
ENERGY SOURCES
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
HYDROCARBONS
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
LATIN AMERICA
MOLLUSCS
NORTH AMERICA
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
POLLUTION
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
WATER
520200* - Environment
Aquatic- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (-1989)
550500 - Metabolism