Abstract
Abstract Surface sediments from the Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf between New Jersey and Virginia were analyzed for their hydrocarbon composition. Benzene fractions of sediment extracts were found to contain a variety of PNA's that in general were superimposed on complex mixtures of petrolic and/or biogenic origin., Concentrations of individual PNAs typically were at the ng/g level referred to dry weight. It is likely that these PNAs derive from pyrogenic input. All hexane fractions contain pentacyclic triterpanes and triterpenes. The (17α)-hopane and its homologues are of special interest because of their high concentration (relative to other triterpanes) as well as their possible relation to the presence of petroleum. Absolute concentrations of (17α)-hopanes are of the order of ng/g (dry weight). The question of biological relevance of (17α)-hopanes as an indicator of petroleum is discussed briefly.
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