Organic matter in sediments of a tropical and upwelling influenced region of the Brazilian continental margin (Campos Basin, Rio de Janeiro)

Abstract

Lipid biomarkers [fatty acids (FAs), sterols and alcohols] and carbon stable isotopes (δ13C values) in surface sediments from 9 cross shelf transects (25–3000 m water depth) from the Campos Basin, SE Brazilian continental margin were analyzed. The aim was to investigate the link between the prevailing regional specific oceanographic conditions (upwelling events, intrusion of cold and nutrient-rich water, low river input) and the nature and distribution of organic matter (OM) in the basin. A general predominance of OM from autochthonous processes, but with a relevant spatial gradient in the quality and quantity of the sedimentary OM, was observed. On the shelf (<150 m), concentrations of lipids were usually low, except in areas influenced by upwelling, but the presence of labile compounds suggested the occurrence of fresh OM in the sediment. The export of continental OM was observed only in shelf sediments near the Paraíba do Sul River. The upper and middle slope (400–1300 m) exhibited the highest concentrations of total organic carbon (TOC) and lipids, but lipid biomarkers suggested the presence of OM with a high degree of bacterial degradation. This may result from the export of material from shallow areas, possibly due to the action of eddies and meandering of the Brazil Current and bottom currents in the region. On the lower slope (1900–3000 m), only the more recalcitrant compounds were above detection limit. The presence of labile lipids in high amount in the shelf and slope suggests the presence of OM with a high potential for supplying the food requirements of heterotrophic organisms in the sediment, which may in turn have a major influence on the ecology of benthic communities.