Molecular organic geochemical peculiarities of lacustrine core sediments in Fildes Peninsula, King George Island, Antarctica

The peculiarities of lipids in lacustrine core sediments from Fildes Peninsula, King George Island, Antarctica, are reported. The origin of high-molecular-weight n-alkanes, alkenes,fatty acids, alcohols is supposed to be related to the abundant moss occurring in the sediments.Abundant iso-and anteiso-fatty acids that occur in the sediments indicate a relatively strong bacterial activity in non-ice-cover zone than in other regions in Antarctica. The C18:2 unsaturated fatty acids mainly originate from autochthonous algae in the sediment pool, and the C18:2/C18:0ratios in the profile are controlled more by paleotemperatures than source assemblies. Long-chain alkenones were identified in freshwater lacustrine sediment in Antarctica for the first time, of which Prymnesiophyceae is assumed to be the source organism. High relative abundance of C37:4honologue in long-chain alkenone well correlates to the severely cold climate in Antarctica.     

Fatty-acids and their <Emphasis Type="Italic">δ</Emphasis><Superscript>13</Superscript>C characteristics of seep carbonates from the northern continental slope of Gulf of Mexico

Here we reported the fatty-acids and their δ¹³C values in seep carbonates collected from Green Canyon lease block 185 (GC 185; Sample GC-F) at upper continental slope (water depth: ~540 m), and Alaminos Canyon lease block 645 (GC 645; Sample AC-E) at lower continental slope (water depth: ~2200 m) of the Gulf of Mexico. More than thirty kinds of fatty acids were detected in both samples. These fatty acids are maximized at C₁₆. There is a clear even-over-odd carbon number predominance in carbon number range. The fatty acids are mainly composed of n-fatty acids, iso-/anteiso-fatty acids and terminally branched odd-numbered fatty acids (iso/anteiso). The low δ¹³C values (−39.99‰ to −32.36‰) of n-C₁₂:0, n-C₁₃:0, i-C₁₄:0 and n-C₁₄:0 suggest that they may relate to the chemosynthetic communities at seep sites. The unsaturated fatty acids n-C_18:2 and C_18:1△⁹ have the same δ¹³C values, they may originate from the Beggiatoa/Thioploca. Unlike other fatty acids, the terminally branched fatty acids (iso/anteiso) show lower δ¹³C values (as low as −63.95‰) suggesting a possible relationship to sulfate reducing bacteria, which is common during anaerobic oxidation of methane at seep sites.     

Molecular organic geochemical evidence for paleoenvironmental changes at 11.87–12.28 m in GS-1 sedimentary core, Gucheng Lake, East China

Organic lipids with different occurrence modes in a sedimentary core in a subtropical freshwater lake, Gucheng Lake, were sequentially extracted, separated and analyzed. The down-core variations of OEP index of alkanes, C_18:2/C_18:0 ratios of fatty acids, ratios of bound, fatty acids to free fatty acids, thermo-maturity indices of hopanoid hydrocarbons and rerative concentrations of sedimentary minerals revealed an evident increasing in allochthonous input from rock detritus below 12.28 m in the sedimentary profile. The distribution pattern of tightlybound β-hydroxy fatty acids indicated a difference in bacterial communities above and below the boundary, as well as the gammacerane index may assign a significant change in lake water salinity. The evidence, in general, suggested that a significant paleoenvironmental change had taken place in ca. 9.6 kaBP on the regional basis.     

Population dynamics of Pygoscelis penguins(1980–2012) and penguin dropping records(1916–2001) on Ardley Island of West Antarctica,in response to ENSO

El Nio-Southern Oscillation(ENSO)has affected penguins and their habitats in the western Antarctic Peninsula.We used both historical penguin population dynamics data(1980–2012)and sedimentary lipids in penguin droppings(1916–2001)on Ardley Island to examine the responses of the Antarctic ecosystem to ENSO(El Nin o/La Nin a)events.The results showed that during the last 30 years,climate,marine food chain changes,and human activity have significantly affected penguin population sizes on Ardley Island.The Chinstrap(Pygoscelis antarctica)and Ade′lie(P.adeliae)penguin populations showed a good correlation with ENSO events.The Chinstrap penguin population decreased significantly because it was more sensitive to increasing human disturbance(e.g.,scientific activity and tourism)than Ade′lie and Gentoo(P.papua),particularly during the breeding season.Compositional features of n-alkanes in penguin dropping sediments revealed that organic matter came from lower terrestrial plants,bacteria and algae.C23was the main nalkane heavy hydrocarbon indicating mosses and lichens in the penguin’s diet.Variation in the ratio of nC23/nC17was closely correlated with ENSO events.The bacteria intrusion index(ratio of(iC15:0?aC15:0)/nC15:0for fatty acids)reflected significant increases in microorganism activity during several periods in this area.Meanwhile,the CPIA value for fatty acids decreased because micro-organisms contributed light hydrocarbon fatty acids to penguin droppings.Our results showed that the fine structure and molecular indices of fatty acids and n-alkanes in penguin dropping sediments can be used to explain climate-driven microbial processes,and to reveal the important role that microbes and bacteria play in the relatively simple Antarctic ecosystem.     

Effect of fatty acids on polyamine contents and Na+/H+ antiport activity in PM vesicles isolated from roots of barley under salt stress

With 200 mmol/L NaCl treatment on barley cultivar “Jian 4” (Hordeum vulgare L. cv. J4) seedlings for 6 d, the contents of covalently and noncovalently conjugated polyamines (PAs) and activities of H⁺-ATPase in plasma membrane (PM) vesicles isolated from the roots decreased remarkably. Moreover, the activity of Na⁺/H⁺ antiport was detected first in PM vesicles. The results showed that the decrease in the contents of membrane phospholipid, noncovalently conjugated PAs and activity of H⁺-ATPase caused by NaCl could be restored partially by application of 1 mmol/L stearie acid (C_16:0) and linoleic acid (C_18:2), and C_18:2 was more effective than C_16:0 In addition, a reduction in the contents of covalently conjugated PAs was only reversed partially in the presence of C_18:2 Furthermore, Na⁺/H⁺ antiport activity was strengthened by exogenous C_16:0 and C_18:2 and C_18:2 was more effective than C_16:0. The correlative analysis suggested that, after application of C_16:0 and C_18:2 under salt stress, there was a significant positive correlation existing among phospholipid content, noncovalently conjugated PA levels, H⁺-ATPase activities and Na⁺/H⁺ antiport activities, indicating that one of the mitigative mechanisms of exogenous fatty acids on salt injury was to improve membrane phospholipid and PA contents, leading to an enhance in membrane integrity and a change in charge status of PM vesicles, so the activity of membrane-associated enzyme H⁺-ATPase was increased and synthesis of Na⁺/H⁺ antiport protein was activated.     

The occurrence and significance of C25HBI in Cenozoic saline lacustrine source rocks from the Western Qaidam Basin,NW China

The saline lacustrine deposit of the Oligocene Lower Ganchaigou Formation is the main source rock for the Western Qaidam Basin,NW China.In this study,abundant highly branched isoprenoids with 25 carbon atoms (C25HBI) were detected in the upper section of the Lower Ganchaigou Formation.C25HBI is a biomarker for diatoms,and can provide information regarding biogeochemical processes during production and preservation of sedimentary organic matter.The carbon isotopic values of C25HBI in these source rocks were in the range of-18‰ to-20‰.The relative enrichment in 13C of C25HBI suggests that these isoprenoids were derived from diatom blooms.In this case,the diatoms used HCO3-as an additional carbon source to dissolved CO2 in water column due to their high biological productivity.Conversely,the diatom blooms indicated an abundant nutrient supply to the environment and high primary productivity.Thus,the occurrence of 13C-enriched C25HBI could be an ideal marker for good source rocks.The decreased concentration of CO2(aq) in the water column induced by diatom blooms can result in an enrichment in 13C of organic matter synthesized by primary producers.This may be a possible reason for the occurrence of 13C-enriched organic matter in the Cenozoic source rocks of the Western Qaidam Basin.Previous studies have shown that the high carbon number n-alkanes sourced from diatoms have no carbon preference.Hence,the sources of n-alkanes in regional source rocks are complex,and should be considered when discussing the sources of organic matter in future studies.     

Lipids of sulfate-reducing bacteria and sulfur-oxidizing bacteria found in the Dongsheng uranium deposit

U-bearing sandstones from the Dongsheng deposit in Ordos Basin contain abundant C15-C18 fatty acids. The fatty acids may have been derived from modern and ancient organisms including organisms from the intervals of U mineralization. A certain amount of i15:0, a15:0, a17:0 fatty acids coexist with small amounts of i17:1ω7c and 10me16:0, characteristic biomarkers of Desulfovibrio and Desulfobacter sp., respectively. This indicates the existence of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) in the sandstones. The presence of sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (SOB), such as Beggiatoa and Thioploca, is indicated by significant amounts of 16:1ω7c and 18:1ω7c fatty acids. The existence of the SRB in the deposit, as inferred from the fatty acids, is consistent with results from fossilized microorganisms and isotopic compositions of ore-stage pyrite. This suggests that the environment may have been favorable for the SRB to grow since ore formation (9.8-22 Ma). The bacteria may have degraded hydrocarbons directly, or indirectly utilized hydrocarbons degraded by oxic microbes in the deposits. This process may have produced 12C-rich calcite and prominent baseline humps of unresolved complex mixtures (UCM), and 25-demethylated hopanes and tricyclic terpanes. The existence of sulfur-oxidizing bacteria and sulfate-reducing bacteria in the deposit may have resulted in bacterial sulfate reduction to sulfide, re-oxidization of the sulfide to sulfate and subsequent reduction of the sulfate to sulfide. This assertion is supported by ore-stage pyrite with δ34S values as low as-39.2‰, and the lightest sulfate (about 11‰) measured during the Phanerozoic, a difference of more than 46‰.     

Stable carbon isotope compositions of isoprenoid chromans in Cenozoic saline lacustrine source rocks from the Western Qaidam Basin,NW China: Source implications

Although the distribution of mono-,di-and trimethylated 2-methyl-2-(4,8,12-Trimethyltrideeyl) chromans(MTTCs) is well understood as an indicator of water salinity,their origin and formation mechanism are still ambiguous and under debate.In this paper,abnormally high levels of MTTCs were detected in Cenozoic saline lacustrine source rocks from the Western Qaidam Basin.Using a two-step column chromatography method,the MTTCs and naphthalenes were separated from other aromatic compounds and concentrated in one fraction,so that the stable carbon isotope compositions of these compounds could be accurately measured.Similar carbon isotope ratios for the mono-,di-and trimethylated 2-methyl-2-(4,8,12-Trimethyltrideeyl) chromans in a given sample suggest the MTTCs may share the same biological source(s).The MTTCs from the Western Qaidam Basin have similar carbon isotope compositions to primary producer-derived pristane and phytane.However,the ? 13C values for the MTTCs showed significant differences with other primary producers-derived biomarkers(e.g.C27 and C29 steranes),probably indicating a distinct microalgae source from specific niches for the MTTC compounds.We speculate that the MTTCs distribution patterns may be controlled by the water chemistry dynamics in niches,which,in turn,is affected by hypersaline bottom water.     

Geochemical significance of the relative enrichment of pristane and the negative excursion of δ^13CPr across the Permian-Triassic Boundary at Meishan, China

Changes in the distribution of isoprenoid hydrocarbons and in δ^13Ckero or δ^13Cpr across the section from the Changxing Formation to the lower Yinkeng Formation at Meishan （the GSSP of PTB） are studied, in which a relative enrichment of pristane and a sharp shift in both δ^13Ckero and δ^13Cmole near the boundary are revealed. A possible mechanism for the abnormal accumulation of pristane near PTB is suggested： Lipids in some marine animals and their metabolites, rich in pristane, can be preserved and accumulate in some suitable depositing facies under certain special conditions, such as the catastrophic death of animals and/or developing of an anoxic water column, and thus the pristane enrichment occurs in the sediment. The occurrences of isoprenoid enrichment and high Pr/Ph ratios have been found in other typical marine anoxic sediments accompanied by mass extinction in various extent during the most important geological periods, such as Late Ordovician, end of Devonian, Early Jurassic and Late Cretaceous. These occurrences support to a certain extent the above mechanism that interprets the genesis of a high Pr/Ph ratio in some typical marine anoxic sediments. The synchronous sharp negative shifts in δ^13Cmole, δ^13Ckero and δ^13Ccarb from Beds 24 to 26 of the Meishan profile indicate that a sudden and strong variation of carbon source in the atmosphere-ocean system occurred during the quick but equable evolution from the end-Permian to Early Triassic, and the coupling between the pristane enrichment and negative shift in δ^13Ckero and δ^13CPr may well indicate the importance of the release of methane hydrates and marine anoxia in the end-Permian mass extinction.     

Long-chain alkenones in sulfate lakes and its paleoclimatic implications

Long-chain alkenones are ubiquitous in marinesediments. The relationship between alkenone unsatura-tion and temperature has been proved by field studies andcultures of E. huxleyi[1] and G. oceanica[2]. As an idealproxy for sea surface paleotemperature estimation, theU37 index is widely applied to reconstructing paleotem- K 'perature in most oceanographic settings[3—10]. The suc-cessful progresses in the ocean invoked the researchers’attention to the study of LCAs in the liminic system.Cr…     

Identification and significance of 3β-alkyl steranes in the Eogene lacustrine sediments and petroleum of China

The study on steranes with substitution at C-2, C-3 or C-4 positions in ring-A has become a hot field for their specific precursors in recent years[1-15]. Summons et al. firstly identified C28-C30 3β-methyl steranes in Michigan Basin and found that the p…     

Organic acids: Differences in ice core records between Glacier 1, Tianshan, China and the polar areas

Formate (HCOO-), acetate (CH₃COO-), oxalate (C₂O₄^2-) and pyruvate ((CO)C₂O₄^2-) are detected in a 14.08-m-long ice core recovered in Glacier 1 at the Urumqi riverhead, Tianshan, China, which is a mid-latitude alpine glacier (43°06′N, 86°49′E). the mean concentrations for the four organic acids in recent four decades are (102.8±147.3), (392.3±390.8), (6.9±14.8) and (4.2±8.3) ng/g, respectively, with the ratio for HCOO^-/CH₃COO^- of 0.34 ± 0.43. They represent the major acid components, and originate mainly from anthropogenic emission in the nearby industrial cities. Compared with Greenland and Antarctica, Glacier 1 is much higher in carboxylic acids, which were not subjected to long distance transportation as well as complicated atmospheric reactions. The alpine glacier can be, therefore, useful to reconstructing human pollution scenario to the regional atmosphere.     

南海中部表层沉积物中脂肪酸的组成、分布及来源

对5个采自南海中部地区的表层海洋近代沉积物样品的脂肪酸的组成进行了测试．测试结果表明,南海中部近代沉积物中脂肪酸由正构饱和脂肪酸、一元不饱和脂肪酸、多元不饱和脂肪酸及带支链的异构、反异构脂肪酸组成．较高含量的C12：C20短链脂肪酸和较丰富的一元不饱和脂肪酸以及其它细菌标志脂肪酸的出现表明,细菌等海洋微生物是脂肪酸的主要贡献者,海洋浮游生物对南海近代沉积物脂肪酸的贡献仅占次要位置．     

Long-chain branched/cyclic alkanes in recent sediment of Lake Fuxian and their environmental implications

Lake Fuxian is a large, deep, and oligotrophic freshwater lake. In recent sediment of this lake, a series of branched and cyclic alkanes, including branched alkanes with one or two quaternary carbon atoms （C2n compounds）, alkylcycloheptane, and alkylcyclohexane, were detected in high abundance. For each homolog of long-chain branched/ cyclic alkanes, molecules with only an odd or even carbon number were present in the sediment. The abundance vari- ation of each compound homolog corresponded to those of other compound homolog in the section, indicating the same origin of these compounds. The concentrations of long-chain branched/cyclic alkanes in the sediment profile exhibited variations similar to those of phytoplankton biomarkers, such as 3-methylJalkanes, short-chain odd carbon n-alkanes, hopene, polyunsaturated fatty acids, phytol, sterols, and long-chain alkyl diols, but slightly different from those of long-chain odd carbon n-alkanes, which are ubiquitous biomarkers for higher plants. Therefore, the Can compounds and long-chain cyclic alkanes in the lake sediment were most likely produced by algae and bacteria in the water, primarily, by the heterotrophic bacteria in the moderately oxygenated waters, which flourishing might be the results of specific water environments in Lake Fuxian.     

Climatic and environmental implications from n-alkanes in glacially eroded lake sediments in Tibetan Plateau: An example from Ximen Co

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to identify a series of n-alkanes in the sediments of a typical glacially eroded lake in the eastern Tibetan Plateau.By comparing the distribution patterns of n-alkanes in lake sediments,surface soils and cow manure,it was shown that n-C 27-n-C 33 alkanes in the soil ecosystem of Ximen Co are derived from vascular plant species and that the distribution pattern of n-C 27-n-C 33 alkanes remains unchanged during the feeding and digestion processes of herbivores.The relative percentage of C 27,C 29 and C 31 n-alkanes decreased from the bottom to the top of the sediment core showing a trend of degradation of higher plants in the Ximen Co lake region during the formation of the 44 cm core.210 Pb dating,combined with pre-existing AMS 14 C dating results showed that the depositional core reflects climatic and environmental variations since about 900 years before present.The n-alkane indexes (ACL 27-33,P aq,P wax) are comparable with regional temperature variation,especially recording the Little Ice Age event (LIA).This study highlights that n-alkanes are valid proxies for paleo-climate and paleo-environment reconstruction,despite the same distribution patterns in n-alkane molecular fossils derived from a typical glacially eroded lake.     

Nd isotopic variations and its implications in the recent sediments from the northern South China Sea

The chondrite-normalized REE distribution patterns in recent sediments from the northern South China Sea and surrounding areas are similar, with the HREE values being almost equal to or slightly higher, and the La_N/Lu_N ratio being lower, than PAAS standards. However, samples from the Xijiang River, a major branch of the Pearl River system, show opposite trends, i.e., with slightly lower HREE values and higher La_N/Lu_N ratio than PAAS. The distribution of Nd isotopes in sediments from the northern South China Sea was controlled by the Pearl River and the inshore area of South China, respectively. The volume of ε_Nd(0) from inshore areas of southern China is apparently higher than that from the Pearl River, and ε_Nd(0) values in offshore sediments and Taiwan Island are between these values. The results clearly show that ε_Nd(0) volume in the northeastern South China Sea is higher than in the southwest part of the northern South China Sea, indicating different source rock types. The main source rock of the Pearl River sediment is carbonate types and affects sediment deposition in the southwest of the northern South China Sea, while the source rock in the inshore area of southern China, mainly Mesozoic and Cenozoic granites, contributes to sediments in the northeastern area of the northern South China Sea. Due to different source rock types, the HREE values and the volume of ε_Nd(0) in recent sediments supplied by the inshore area of southern China are higher than those from the Pearl River. Over 80% of the rapidly accumulated sediments on the northern slope of the South China Sea in the southeast of Dongsha Islands area were derived from Taiwan Island and from inshore areas of South China, with only less than 20% from the Pearl River. Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 40276019, 40238060 and 40621063), and National Basic Research Program of China (Grant No. 2007CB819501)     

Spatial distribution and stratigraphic characteristics of surface sediments in Taihu Lake,China

A geophysical survey was carried out for Taihu Lake, one of the largest shallow lakes in China. The StrataBox™ Marine Geophysical Instrument was applied for the first time to obtain high-resolution seismic data (in the form of vectorgraphs) of the lake sediment. Data were then interpreted by SonarWiz.Map acoustics software. Data were correlated with core stratigraphy from the lake as well as an outcrop on the northern side of the lake at Yao Bay. Results show that the upper 10 m sediment (beneath the interface of the sediment and the overlying lake water) is characterized by laminated sediments, which can be classified into two stratal types, i.e. lacustrine sediment stratum (U1) and underlying hard loess stratum (U2). The contact of these two lithologies is not continuous, and part of it is absent in the lake basin. Unequally spread over the lake basin, the lacustrine sediment (mainly consisting of sludge and muddy-clay) is found in areas along the western bank, to the northwest of the Xishan Mountains and along the northwestern side of the lake. In the rest of the lake basin, the hard loess stratum is exposed in outcrops. The depth of the lacustrine sediment ranges from 1 to 2 m, while the depth of the sludge (closely related to the modern lacustrine environment) varies from 0.03 to 1.0 m. The spatial distribution of lacustrine sediments in Taihu Lake is primarily influenced by transportation and sedimentation of riverine materials, as well as the hydrodynamics of lake currents.     

Mercury pollution in Rana Chensinensis in Weisha River reach, in the upstream region of Songhua River

Twice a year continuous samples of Rana Chensinensis and sediments have been collected near gold mine in the upstream region of Songhua River from 2000 to 2002, for analyzing the total mercury （THg）, methylmercury （MeHg） concentration and correlation in sediments, muscles, livers of the frog. The study indicates that THg and MeHg concentrations in polluted samples near the gold mine are higher than those in unpolluted ones. THg and MeHg con- centrations are higher in autumn, in female, and in livers than those in spring, in male, in muscles respectively. The order of concentration degree in the frog organizations is as follows： liver〉muscle〉ovum〉Fallopian tube. MeHg is the main form of mercury （Hg） existing in autumn, while inorganic Hg is in spring. There is no distinct difference of CMeHg/CTHg between male and female, livers and muscles. The correlation between MeHg concentrations in the river sediments and in the frog＇s livers and muscles are significant, which is related to disorderly discharge of Hg.     

鱼油与微藻和植物油脂肪酸成分比较及其替代策略分析

【目的】水产养殖业的快速发展和鱼油价格的快速上涨,使得寻找能够替代鱼油的脂肪源日趋紧迫。【方法】采用直接转酯化进行气相色谱鉴定的方法测定鱼油、多种常见植物油和两种微藻的脂肪酸组成,以37种脂肪酸标准品作为参照,比较分析3类脂肪源的异同。【结果】鱼油的脂肪酸组成与微绿球藻(Nannochloropsis sp.)和裂壶藻(Schizochytriumsp.)相似,但植物油与鱼油相比缺乏EPA和DHA等n?3高不饱和脂肪酸。在满足必需脂肪酸需求的前提下,提出两种替代鱼油的策略:1使用38.0%亚麻籽油配合27.7%微绿球藻藻油和34.3%裂壶藻藻油替代鱼油的策略获得与鱼油一致的n?3/n?6多不饱和脂肪酸比率,能够较好地满足鱼类的营养需求,可作为替代鱼油的首选策略;2使用38.0%大豆油配合27.7%微绿球藻藻油和34.3%裂壶藻藻油替代鱼油的策略则获得与鱼油大体相同的主要脂肪酸类别,价格较亚麻籽油组低廉,可作为备选策略。【结论】使用高EPA和DHA含量的微藻藻油配合植物油替代鱼油在理论上是可行的。     

Magnetostratigraphy of borehole EY02-2 in the southern Yellow Sea and its paleoenvironmental significance

Various media are used for the study of paleoenvi- ronment. Among them, ice-core, loess and marine sediments are the most important for long time re- cording[1]. In all kinds of researches of paleoenviron- ment, age determination of the sediments is the m…