n-Alkanes and stable C, N isotopic compositions as identifiers of organic matter sources in Posidonia oceanica meadows of Alexandroupolis Gulf, NE Greece

Mar Pollut Bull. 2015 Oct 15;99(1-2):346-55. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.07.033. Epub 2015 Jul 17.

Abstract

We analyzed n-alkane contents and their stable carbon isotope composition, as well as the carbon and nitrogen isotope composition (δ(13)C, δ(15)N) of sediment organic matter and different tissues of Posidonia oceanica seagrass sampled in Alexandroupolis Gulf (A.G.), north-eastern Greece, during 2007-2011. n-Alkane contents in P. oceanica and in sediments showed similar temporal trends, but relative to bulk organic carbon content, n-alkanes were much more enriched in sediments compared to seagrass tissue. Individual n-alkanes in sediments had similar values than seagrass roots and rhizomes and were more depleted in (13)C compared to seagrass leaves and sheaths, with δ(13)C values ranging from -35‰ to -28‰ and from -25‰ to -20‰, respectively. n-Alkane indexes such as the Carbon Preference Index, carbon number maximum, and n-alkane proxy 1 (C23+C25/C23+C25+C29+C31) indicate strong inputs of terrestrial organic matter, while the presence of unresolved complex mixtures suggests potential oil pollution in some sampled areas.

Keywords: Aegean Sea; Alexandroupolis Gulf; Carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes; Mediterranean Sea; Posidonia oceanica; n-Alkanes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alismatales / metabolism*
  • Alkanes / analysis*
  • Alkanes / chemistry
  • Carbon Isotopes / analysis
  • Environmental Monitoring*
  • Geologic Sediments / chemistry*
  • Greece
  • Nitrogen Isotopes / analysis
  • Petroleum / analysis*
  • Plant Leaves / chemistry
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical / analysis

Substances

  • Alkanes
  • Carbon Isotopes
  • Nitrogen Isotopes
  • Petroleum
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical