Gschwend%20thesis.pdf

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fatty acid, hexadecanoic acid, in a manner analogous to that of pristane
from phytanic acid, or may be produced directly by phytoplankton. The
concentration of pentadecane does not correlate well with chlorophyll ~,
as site-specific factors appear to affect this relationship. Other alkanes
were observed at trace levels.
C2-benzenes occurred in surface waters off Peru at about L-IO ng/kg.
The Peru samples showed higher values (2-3x) in surface waters than in deep
ones, suggesting an atmospheric or surface source. Sedimentation of biogenic
particles may transfer these aromatic hydrocarbons to deepet water.
A group of compounds suggested to be octatrienes was found in the Peru
upwelling region. A single isomer of this group may be produced in near-
shore waters by phytoplankton or benthic algae and may rearrange in the
environment to yield several new conformers.
Aldehydes (C6-ClO) were found in samples from near Peru. The direct
correlation of their concentration with O2 has. led to the suggestion that
they are oxidation products of unsaturated fatty acids from algae.
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