Abstract
The molecular distribution of long-chain n-alkanes in 62 soil samples collected from diverse locations across eastern China was analyzed. The long-chain n-alkanes were mostly dominated by n-C29 or n-C31, regardless of the overlying vegetation type at each site. The results were compared with those summarized from the literature, covering more than 100 soil samples within China and more than 300 genera of modern plants distributed worldwide. There were similar n-alkane distribution patterns for most genera, with no clear differences among grasses, shrubs, and trees. The evidence from analyses of surface soils and modern plants indicates that the relationship between the molecular distribution of long-chain n-alkanes of surface soils and source vegetation is highly complex, and is influenced by many factors. Further, it is suggested that source vegetation types should not be simply inferred from distribution patterns of long-chain n-alkanes in sediments.
Highlights
The molecular distribution of long-chain n-alkanes in 62 soil samples collected from diverse locations across eastern China was analyzed
We explore the relationship between the distribution of long chain n-alkanes and their respective vegetation sources based on the results from 100 surface soil samples collected from diverse areas across China and more than 300 globally distributed genera of modern plants
The carbon numbers of n-alkanes extracted from most surface soil samples ranged from 14 to 35 with significant bimodal distribution (Figure 2)
Summary
The molecular distribution of long-chain n-alkanes in 62 soil samples collected from diverse locations across eastern China was analyzed. The evidence from analyses of surface soils and modern plants indicates that the relationship between the molecular distribution of long-chain n-alkanes of surface soils and source vegetation is highly complex, and is influenced by many factors. It is suggested that source vegetation types should not be inferred from distribution patterns of long-chain n-alkanes in sediments. There are demonstrable links between the molecular distribution of long-chain n-alkanes of modern plants and different seasons, study sites, plant age, and plant organs [9]. Even all the long-chain n-alkanes produced by woody plants are dominated by n-C27 or n-C29, while those of herbaceous plants are dominated by n-C31, it is unclear whether the MCN of material from multiple plant sources can be
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