Abstract
The abundance of sterols in sediment depth profiles is determined by variations in input source abundances and diagenesis. Deconvolution of these variables would permit accurate estimation of degradation rates and initial input source contributions of sterols to the sediments. In this study we have demonstrated the application of a simple mathematical approach to the estimation of the relative stabilities of a range of sterols in a microbially-poor temperate intertidal sediment. The results indicate that st-5-enols and possibly 4-methyl sterols are less stable than other sterols in this environment. Since dehydration reactions of sterols would be favoured by both a 4-methyl substituent and a C5,6 double bond, whilst other processes would not be as selective, it seems probable that this abiological process predominates in the Corner Inlet sediments.
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