Abstract
A GC–MS approach was developed to characterize 13C-labeled tracers in microcosm sediments. Three major 13C-labeled fatty acids (16:1ω7, 16:0, and 18:1ω9) and phytol in labeled microalgae (added to sediments as organic substrate) were distinguished from natural sedimentary counterparts. During a series of incubations under various redox conditions (oxic and anoxic) and with and without the presence of macrofauna (i.e. Yoldia limiatula), two newly produced 13C-labeled compounds ( iso-15:0 fatty acid and C 16 alcohol) were identified from incubated sediments. Analyses of mass spectra showed that the iso-15:0 fatty acid was partially labeled while the C 16 alcohol was uniformly labeled with 13C, implying that the formation pathways of these two degradation products may be different. Estimates of degradation rate constants of planktonic lipids during these incubations showed that oxic conditions and the presence of Yoldia significantly accelerated the degradation of planktonic lipids in sediments.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
