N-Alkanes in an Equatorial Sedimentary Environment: Their Distribution as a Function of Particle Size

Abstract

In order to investigate the biogeochemistry of organic matter deposited in an equatorial deltaic environment, the Mahakam delta, Borneo, analysis of geochemical markers has been realised both on various sediments and on sediments separated as a function of particle size.

Sediments were selected from two levels (-150m and -500m) of a continuous core sampled in the Mahakam delta in 1981 (Misedor Programme) and represent various lithotypes of the deltaic environment and different diagenetic conditions. After separation into sand size (> 50 μm), silt size (50–5 4mUm) and clay size (< 5 μm) fractions, free lipids have been extracted and hydrocarbons isolated by micro-column chromatography, and analysed by capillary gas liquid chromatography. Concentrations and carbon number distributions of n-alkanes are discussed in terms of the relationship between the sedimentary environment and the importance of terrigenous inputs. The distribution patterns of n-alkanes of different sediment size fractions are characterized by the predominance of high molecular weight compounds in the range C23–C37, which are also encountered for the actual deltaic plain flora: mangrove and nipah-nipah. Carbon Preference Index (CPI) values are higher in the coarse and intermediate fractions reflecting their enrichment in continentally-derived vegetation debris.

Key Words:

• Deltaic environment
• n-alkanes
• organic matter
• particle size
• sediment