Partitioning of organic matter in continental margin sediments among density fractions

TitlePartitioning of organic matter in continental margin sediments among density fractions
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2009
AuthorsWakeham, SG, Canuel, EA, Lerberg, EJ, Mason, P, Sampere, TP, Bianchi, TS
JournalMarine Chemistry
Volume115
Issue3-4
Pagination211-225
ISSN0304-4203
Abstract

Hydrodynamic processes sort and redistribute organic matter (OM) and minerals on continental margins. Density fractionations were conducted on sediments from diverse margins (Mexico margin, Gulf of Mexico, Mississippi River delta, Eel River margin) to investigate the nature, provenance and age of OM among density fractions. Mass. elemental (C and N), lignin, and surface area distributions, as well as stable carbon and radiocarbon isotopic compositions were measured, The lowest density fractions (2.5 g cm(-3)) were OC-poor (%OC -200 parts per thousand). Ratios of vanillic acid to vanillin (Ad/Al)v among lignin oxidation products increase with increasing particle density suggesting variable lignin sources or selective degradation of lignin among the different density fractions. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

DOI10.1016/j.marchem.2009.08.005