Tracing sewage in the marine environment: altered signatures in Concepción Bay, Chile.

摘要: Abstract Lipid biomarkers are now widely used to trace organic matter in the marine environment. Selected compounds and ratios can be identify sources or processes. However, a study of particularly contaminated area, expected signatures were not found (Mudge Seguel, Bol. Soc. Chil. Quim. 42 (1997) 5). This site has been re-examined determine why they absent. The concentrations sterols, fatty acids alcohol 10 sediment cores from Concepcion Bay, Chile, quantified by capillary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. data obtained 34 acids, 28 alcohols (C 12 –C 30 ) 32 sterols target indicated that Bay sediments most abundant lipids (range 1.6–307 μg g −1  dry wt) followed 0.02–25.3 μg g  dry wt). sewage markers 5 β -coprostanol epi-coprostanol areas close Penco-Lirquen disposal pipe. High bacterial activity was also present as cholestanol, 18 : 1 ω 7, iso, anteiso branched enhanced odd/even biomarkers. centre had greater marine/algal input characterized brassicasterol (20 : 4 6, 20 : 5 3 22 : 6 3). terrestrial contribution mainly -sitosterol, C 22 26 confirmed short/long chain ratio alcohols. distribution these two indicates passing through system is deficient short epi-coprostanol/coprostanol versus coprostanol/cholesterol plots selected removal stanols leaving apparently high cholesterol concentrations.