Distribution of n-alkanes in marine samples from southeast Florida

Samples of marine vertebrates, invertebrates and sediments were collected from the Florida Keys, and analysed for n-alkane aliphatic hydrocarbons C12 to C30 and the isoterpenoids pristane and phytane. Hydrocarbons thought to be produced by plankton (C15, C17, C19 and pristane) were present at high concentrations in nearshore Atlantic bay and Hawk channel sediments, but at low concentrations in reef track and ABC channels sediments. Terrestrial plant hydrocarbons (C25, C27, C29) were found at the highest concentrations in bay sediments. Petroleum indices gave equivocal results, so petroleum may be a less important source. Tissue samples tended to contain 1 or 2 peaks of n-alkanes mainly of non-contaminant biogenic origin. There are 30 references.