Distribution characteristics of lipids in hadal sediment in the Yap Trench

Abstract

In this study, cored sediment samples collected by the Jiaolong Submersible at 6 779 m depth from the hadal zone of the Yap Trench in May 2016 were sliced in 1-cm interval from top to bottom, and lipids in each sediment layer were quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed. The vertical distribution profiles of the lipids in the sediment sample, their main existing forms, and their possible sources were investigated. The results show that the concentration of lipid in the surface sediment was the highest with the carbon number from 12 to 27, dominated by medium and short-chain lipids. The total concentration of fatty acids in surface sediment was much higher than those in the offshore and deep-sea areas, being up to 325.77 μg/g due to the funnel effect caused by the “V” terrain of the trench. Fatty acid 18.0 was the most abundant lipids in the sediment sample. Abnormal high concentrations of fatty acid 18.ω7 and alkanes indicated the existence of hydrothermal fluids in the study area. In addition, saturated fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids existed mainly in free form, and polyunsaturated fatty acids existed mainly in bound form. Most of the alkanes were in bound form, and their major source was autochthounous input. The carbon number of alcohols in the sediment sample ranged from 12 to 20, mainly existed in bound form. The source of fatty acids was mainly autochthonous input, and the neutral lipids had both marine and terrestrial origin. This is the first study of lipids in hadal sediment of the Yap Trench. The results will promote deeper understanding of organic carbon cycle in marine environment.