Abundance and distribution of fatty acids in hydrothermal vent sediments of the western Pacific Ocean

摘要: Abstract Sediments obtained from three active seafloor hydrothermal areas in the western Pacific Ocean were measured for abundances and distributions of total fatty acids (TFAs). Approximately 50 identified, with chain-length ranging C 9 to 29 . The concentrations TFAs (∑TFA) show a wide range 13.2 184 μg/g dry sediment. values ∑TFA, over 100 sediment, are significantly higher than those reported non-hydrothermal sediments. Furthermore, observed compositions rich bacterial biomarkers especially monounsaturated acids, which is common sediments symbiotic animal tissues other sites associated activities. High ratios ∑TFA organic carbon content (TOC) relative sediment may also reflect large contribution matter produced at vents. Due limited sample availability these environments, TFA not enough evaluate relatedness between vent community, while diversity suggests variation source organisms environments. This study confirms high bacteria